VCU Police launch campaign to improve pedestrian safety

Editor’s Note: The video in the media player above is from an Aug. 16 broadcast before classes began at Virginia Commonwealth University.

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) – As classes began earlier this week, VCU Police has started a new campaign to improve pedestrian safety. The campaign, which includes new safety signs, social media messaging, and increased enforcement, aims to reduce the number of pedestrian-related incidents on campus.

The new safety signs, which read “Heads up, phones down,” are now displayed on poles and the ground throughout campus.

According to VCU Police Chief John Venuti, the campaign was developed in response to feedback from the university’s annual perception of safety survey. Over half of the VCU community indicated that pedestrian safety should be a priority for the police department.

“Everybody has to do their job to ensure that they stay safe, whether you’re driving a car or whether you’re a pedestrian,” Venuti said. “So we encourage pedestrians, ‘follow the guidance.’”

Last year, there were 25 pedestrian-involved crashes on VCU’s campus, including 19 on the Monroe Park campus and six on the MCV campus. While no one died in these incidents, Chief Venuti said that even minor crashes can have serious consequences.

“Some of those resulted in serious injury, and we’re dramatically trying to reduce that number in the upcoming academic year,” he said.

In addition to the new safety signs, VCU Police will be conducting increased traffic, speed, and crosswalk enforcement throughout the year. The department is also urging pedestrians to be aware of their surroundings and to use designated crosswalks whenever possible.

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