Vision Zero Public Education Toolbox: Pedestrian Safety

Why Pedestrian Safety Matters:

Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable to injury because they lack protection of a metal frame, unlike occupants of motor vehicles. For example over a five year period in Arlington, 2% of crashes involving only vehicles result in critical injuries while 17% of all pedestrian crashes result in critical injuries. That means that a pedestrian is more than 8 times as likely to be involved in a severe crash as a person in a vehicle. Therefore, it is crucial for drivers to be alert and drive slowly, especially in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic.

What you can do as a driver:

  • Go slow. Slower speeds increase reaction time and reduce the severity of crashes involving pedestrians. 
  • Look and stop for pedestrians in crosswalks, always checking blind spots before proceeding. 
  • Do not block crosswalks.
  • Looks out for pedestrians at signalized intersections, especially when making turns.
  • Be careful when driving past parked cars. Parked cars can obscure the presence of people about to enter the roadway.

Image: The higher the speed of a vehicle during a crash, the greater the likelihood of severe outcomes, as depicted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety

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What you can do as a pedestrian:

  • Cross the streets at marked crosswalks and intersections; before crossing look left, right, and then left again.
  • Stand in the sidewalk when waiting to cross the street.
  • Cross behind the bus (or any vehicle dropping you off) in the crosswalk when available.
  • At signalized intersections, wait for the walk signal to cross. 

Why time of day matters:

Time of day and seasonal variations significantly impact pedestrian crash rates. Nationally, 76% of pedestrian fatalities occurred during dark conditions when visibility is reduced. Specifically, 25% of these fatalities happened between 6pm and 9pm. As a driver, always travel the speed limit, be alert, and check for people, especially in dark conditions. As a pedestrian, use crosswalks to enhance your visibility. 

Image: Arlington Crash Data (2018-2023) showed that pedestrian crashes in dark conditions are twice as likely in winter months.

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Understanding different types of crossings:

Signage – Virginia State Law requires drivers to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. Drive slow and look out for standard crossing signage and pavement markings as shown in the image below.

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Yellow Flashing Lights - Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) are pedestrian-activated bright yellow flashing lights installed on pedestrian crossing signs. When the yellow lights are flashing, drivers should be alert and stop for pedestrians in the crossing. See the image below from a Fairfax County brochure on how to use an RRFB. 

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Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons - Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons (sometimes referred to as HAWKs) are pedestrian-activated traffic signals that provide a protected walk phase for pedestrians. See the image below from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation or watch this video from the Virginia Department of Transportation on how to use a pedestrian hybrid beacon. 

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School Slow Zones – Arlington County code calls for permanent 20mph speed limits on neighborhood streets within 600 feet of a school access point. These slow zones are marked with signs and on the pavement throughout the county and are enforced 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (even on the weekends and during the summer). Expect high pedestrian activity in these areas. 

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Learn More:

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