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Virginia Sheriffs' Institute
Supporting Virginia’s Sheriffs & Deputies

Already in 2021, there have been 77 crashes involving pedestrians and 14 fatalities with another 27 serious injuries throughout Virginia.  As the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office partners with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, we wish to remind both pedestrians and drivers to look out for each other.

To stay safe on the roads, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists need to respect each other. Drivers should look out for pedestrians by avoiding distractions and drive in relation to conditions as well as adhering to speed limits.

Pedestrians should:

  • Plan a route with safe crossings
  • Avoid distractions, alcohol, and drugs
  • Dress to be seen, wear reflective clothing, and never assume that drivers see you
  • Carry a blinking light or flashlight at night
  • Walk on sidewalks and if there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible
  • Watch for cars backing up, especially in parking lots and driveways

When walking, pedestrians should be predictable, following the rules of the road and obeying signs and signals.

While crossing, pedestrians must look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right, and make eye contact with turning drivers before proceeding when possible.

If there is no crosswalk or intersection, pedestrians should:

  • Go to a well-lit area with the best view of traffic
  • Wait until there is enough time to cross safely
  • Continue to watch for traffic while crossing

Parents and caregivers must remind children and older adults to be safe as pedestrians. Whether it be in a parking lot, crosswalk, or on a road, everyone is a pedestrian.

Slow for pedestrians
Slow for pedestrians