The seconds saved by not stopping...may be the last seconds of someone's life.

The top ways pedestrians get hurt...

• Darting out from between parked cars
• Walking along the edge of a roadway
• Crossing a multi-lane street
• Crossing in front of a turning vehicle
• Crossing behind a vehicle that is backing up
• Trying to beat oncoming traffic at an intersection
• Crossing in front of a stopped bus

Stay alert...stay safe!  Everyone has a role...

Truths about Crosswalk safety:

VA DMV facts;during the past 5 reporting years on average 1511 pedestrians are injured in motor vehicle crashes.  During the same reporting period on average there were 82 pedestrians killed each year as result of a motor vehicle collision.  Most of the injuries occur with children under 15 and over 20.  From the age of 16-20 they tend to be much safer.

Everyone has a role...Parents, supervise & educate your children.  Drivers, watch for children & pedestrians.  Children, stay alert & watch for vehicles.  Pedestrians, look left, right and left again.

Tips for Children

Children typically, can't judge speed or distance, are shorter than the parked vehicles, and often are not thinking about traffic safety.  Therefore, parents have to accept responsibility and ensure the crosswalk is safe to enter. 

HOW?

• Maintain physical contact with the child.  Hold their hand and act as their eyes.
• Stop and announce that you are looking to make sure it's safe to enter.  Look to the left then right then left again.  Enter when safe.
• Enter as a family.
• Discuss the importance of waiting.
• Always wait for the light when available.

Tips for Adults

• When walking, wear light or bright colors so motorists can see you and walk against the flow of traffic.
• Make sure to use crosswalks whenever they are available.
• Remember, when crossing a street, look left, look right and look left again.  Only cross when safe.
• When walking at night, reflective clothing, bands, vests, and flashlights make you more visible to motorists.
• Dusk and dawn are the most dangerous times of the day for pedestrians.  If walking or jogging, make sure you travel against the traffic and remember to wear reflective clothing.
• Drinking and walking can be as dangerous as drinking and driving.  An intoxicated pedestrian may not be totally aware of his/her surroundings.

Tips for Drivers

• Pay attention as you approach a crosswalk.  Look for children, adults, and persons with disabilities.
• Children may not see you as they can be distracted easily.
• Adults may be pre-occupied with conversation, phones, reading or other distractions.
• Look for persons with disabilities...walkers, canes, service dogs, and wheelchairs, are among the signs telling you about their disability.  Give them a bit more time to cross.

§ 46.2-924 of the Code of Virginia outlines the responsibilities related to crosswalks.  The following excerpts will summarize key elements of the Code.

The driver of any vehicle on a highway shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian crossing such highway:...At any clearly marked crosswalk, whether at mid-block or at the end of any block...No pedestrian shall enter or cross an intersection in disregard of approaching traffic.

Together we can keep Halifax safe!