TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Virginia Highlands Festival Pedestrian Traffic

Abingdon Police Department

For Immediate Release

TRAFFIC ADVISORY:

During the VA Highlands Festival (Friday, July 28^th, 2017-Sunday, August 6^th, 2017), please be alert for heavy pedestrian traffic in front of the Barter Theatre (127 West Main Street). This area will experience greater pedestrian use because of the festival access point at Partington Place.

With the warmer weather and the festival events, the APD wants to remind the public about pedestrian safety. Here are some helpful hints to remember:

Pedestrians:

·       Press activation button at the crosswalk in front of the Barter theater and wait for traffic to stop.

·       Always cross at marked crosswalks. Pedestrians forfeit their rights as a pedestrian if they cross elsewhere.

·       If a crosswalk is unavailable, be sure to find a well-lit spot on the road to cross and wait for a long enough gap in traffic to make it safely across the street.

·       Stay on sidewalks whenever possible. If a sidewalk is not available, be sure to walk on the far side of the road facing traffic. This will help increase your visibility to drivers and afford pedestrians with the opportunity to take evasive actions if needed.

·       Obey any pedestrian signs/signals and look left-right-left to make sure the road is clear in both directions before crossing.

·       Always make eye contact with drivers of stopped or slowing vehicles to be sure they see you before you cross.

·       Look before walking past stopped vehicles. Do not cross just because a driver waves you on. Be sure all lanes are clear first.

·       Remember that vehicles are legally obligated to stop for pedestrians once you are in the crosswalk.  Do not infer that drivers have to stop simply because you are standing on the sidewalk waiting to cross.

Motorists:

·       Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and at intersections.

·       Be prepared to stop at all marked crosswalks. Stay alert and reduce speed in areas with crosswalks.

·       Come to a complete stop if pedestrians are crossing or preparing to cross.

·       When you are stopped at a crosswalk, allow enough room between your vehicle and the crosswalk so other drivers can see the pedestrians you have stopped for.

·       Be watchful for pedestrians and doors opening on the street side from parked cars. 

·       Limit distractions while driving, such as eating, smoking, and using the cell phone.

###