Walk this way: Tips for avoiding accidents and staying safe
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Recent incidents involving vehicles striking pedestrians have raised concerns about safety on Wilmington’s streets. One surprising finding: Jaywalking may be more common than we think, and it’s contributing to a rise in pedestrian-related accidents.
According to Lieutenant Greg Willett with the Wilmington Police Department, traffic-related fatalities in Wilmington are alarmingly higher than those involving other types of violence. He shares:
“In Wilmington, we always have more traffic-related fatalities than we do with murders, guns, knives, etc.”
Among those traffic fatalities, many involve pedestrians, and a significant portion of those accidents are linked to jaywalking.
Jaywalking occurs when a pedestrian crosses the road without regard for oncoming traffic, putting themselves at serious risk.
In North Carolina, the law requires pedestrians to yield to vehicles unless they are in a designated crosswalk. Lieutenant Willett explains the consequences of ignoring these rules:
“If you are a pedestrian crossing mid-block and there is no crosswalk there, you are crossing at your own risk and you’re legally obligated to yield to vehicles in the roadway…”
So far this year, the Wilmington Police Department has reported 58 pedestrian-related crashes, five of which were fatal. Some of the most dangerous areas in the city include Military Cutoff Road, Randall Parkway, South College Road, and Market Street. Lieutenant Willett offers advice for anyone tempted to cross the street outside of designated areas:
“It’s always safer and smarter to use the crosswalk. It’s not always the quickest route — we understand that — but it is the safest route.”
He also recommends walking facing traffic when crossing the street, especially if you’re not using a crosswalk. This allows both you and the driver to see each other and communicate through eye contact.
“Walk opposing traffic, walk to where you are facing the driver coming towards you so that you can both see each other and kind of communicate via eye contact.”
The City of Wilmington is also taking action to improve pedestrian safety. In a statement, the city emphasized its ongoing efforts to enhance the safety of its streets for pedestrians:
“Improving pedestrian safety is a priority for the city. The city has invested heavily in the expansion of multi-use paths, sidewalks, signal and intersection improvements, as well as a commitment to public safety.”
Lieutenant Willett also highlighted the efforts of Wilmington’s Traffic Department, which is actively working to educate the public and prevent accidents before they happen.
