Education and Awareness
Both motorists and pedestrians must be aware of how their actions affect their safety and that of others on our streets. Virginia State Code regulates how motorists and pedestrians must operate on the streets and states when a pedestrian has the right-of-way to travel and when they do not. Except when crossing a street against a traffic signal or other traffic control device, the pedestrian has the right-of-way to travel when they are in the crosswalk. Unfortunately that regulation does not prevent many pedestrians from being struck and injured when crossing a street or driveway.
Pedestrians can improve their safety by following important several tips:
- Always be aware of your surroundings, especially those vehicles and pedestrians that may be approaching.
- Make yourself visible; walk where the lighting is best, wear light colored or reflective clothing at night and walk where motorists can easily see you. Be especially careful of situations when parked or stopped vehicles obstruct motorists' visibility, such as when a vehicle stops to yield to you and drivers in the next lane may not be able to see you.
- Check to make sure that the motorist sees you and is yielding the right-of-way. Try to make eye- or voice-contact with motorists that appear to be heading into your path. If you get the motorist's attention you should get them to yield the right-of-way. If you can't get their attention it is safer to wait on the curb until they pass.
In addition to following the safety tips listed above, pedestrians should always cross in the crosswalk when they are provided, obey traffic signals (only cross when the pedestrian signals display the WALK or "flashing hand" and there is sufficient time to get across the street) and should scan for traffic in both directions before entering the street.
Arlington County is participating in a regional pedestrian safety campaign termed "Street Smarts" which uses local radio, newspaper and transit vehicles advertisements to provide safety instruction for pedestrians, motorists and bicyclists. The Street Smart campaign materials are provided both in English and Spanish languages and be obtained by contacting Charlie Denney, Arlington County Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator, at 703.228.3633 (cdenney@arlingtonva.us), or the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.
Resources for Safe Walking
Check out WalkingAndHiking, which is chock full of useful information on walking, trekking, or rambling in safety!
