Chesterfield police gives tips to pedestrians and drivers after recent crashes in Central Virginia

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WWBT 12 On Your Side reported numerous cars hitting pedestrians in Chesterfield, Richmond, and Henrico in recent weeks.

Over a two-week period, four adults and three children were hit. Out of the seven, four of those people were killed.

Captain P.J. Cimbal from the Chesterfield Police Department said:

“Some of the common things we are seeing in our pedestrian-vehicle crashes are individuals that are wearing all dark colored clothing, tends to be late at night where dusk hours where visibility for drivers are starting to become a problem.”

Tips for pedestrians

Captain Cimbal gave important tips to people who walk at night.

• It's important to wear bright-colored clothing.
• Walk against the traffic instead of with it to see the cars approaching you.
• If you are crossing a road that does not have a crosswalk, wait until the light for oncoming cars is red.
• Henrico has a program for residents to get a free reflective vest at several locations in the county.

Tips for drivers

Captain Cimbal also gave tips that drivers should be aware of.

• Drivers should be especially careful when approaching areas that tend to have more pedestrians, such as shopping districts.
• Slow down and be aware and alert because pedestrians might be trying to cross the road or walking on the side of the road.