Monday, December 16, 2019

Vehicle v. Pedestrian 100 Block West Main Street






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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