Abingdon
Police Department
Contact: Tenille Montgomery, Community Relations
Coordinator
Phone:
276-492-1557
For Immediate Release
On
Friday, December 13, 2019, at approximately 10:40 p.m., Abingdon Police were
dispatched to the 100 block of West Main Street in reference to a pedestrian
being struck by a vehicle. Upon arrival, officers learned that there were
several people in the crosswalk, and the cross indicators were flashing, when a
1999 Honda four-door, operated by Barbara M. Hockett, 86 YOA, of Damascus, Va.,
was traveling eastbound on West Main Street. The vehicle failed to yield
for the pedestrians in the crosswalk, causing them to take evasive action to
avoid the vehicle. One of the pedestrians was struck by the Hockett vehicle and
transported to the hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.
Ms.
Hockett was charged with driving on a suspended license, in violation of § 46.2-301, and failure to yield for pedestrians, in
violation of § 46.2-924 of the Virginia Code.
The
Abingdon Police Department would like to remind pedestrians and motorists about
roadway safety.
Pedestrians:
- Always
cross at marked crosswalks. Drivers expect pedestrians at designated
crossings, not in non-designated areas.
- Be
sure to activate the crosswalk button, if the crossing is equipped with
one, and wait for your signal to cross.
- 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.
- See
and be seen. Make eye contact with drivers of stopped or slowing
vehicles to be sure they see you before you cross.
- Dress
the part. Avoid dark clothes, especially at night, which may blend
with the streetscape. Wearing white/bright colors will increase your
chances of being seen.
- 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:
- Expect
pedestrians to appear where they are not supposed to. It is not uncommon
for people to cross between cars or in areas that are most convenient for
them.
- 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.
- Limit
distractions while driving, such as eating, smoking, and using the cell
phone.
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