Abingdon Police Department- Vehicle vs. Pedestrian 11-22-19

Abingdon Police Department

                                        

For Immediate Release

On Thursday, November 21, 2019, at approximately 10:28pm, Abingdon police were dispatched to the 100 block of West Main Street in reference to a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle. Upon arrival, the officers discovered a male pedestrian was struck while crossing at the crosswalk located at the Barter Theatre. The pedestrian was transported via Med-Flight to Bristol Regional Medical Center with unknown injuries. The incident is still under investigation.

The Abingdon Police Department would like to remind pedestrians and motorists about roadway safety.

Pedestrians:

• Always cross at marked crosswalks. Pedestrians forfeit their rights as a pedestrian if they cross elsewhere.
• Activate the crosswalk button, if the crossing is equipped with one.
• 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.
• Limit distractions while driving, such as eating, smoking, and using the cell phone.