West Virginia drivers urged to watch for pedestrians after dark

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Drivers in West Virginia are being urged to take extra care around pedestrians after dark as October’s National Pedestrian Safety Month approaches.

The West Virginia Governor’s Highway Safety Program cites national data showing 7,080 pedestrians died in traffic crashes in 2024, with 76% of those deaths occurring in darkness.

“In West Virginia, our goal is to ensure that everyone can walk safely whether on a sidewalk or in a crosswalk without fear for their safety,” Jack McNeely, director of the program, said in a release.

The program and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are promoting safer driving. Their advice includes staying sober, observing speed limits near schools and neighborhoods and stopping to let pedestrians cross. A vehicle waiting at a crosswalk may hide someone walking across, so drivers should stay behind it.

The program also warns drivers to expect more families walking through neighborhoods on Halloween evening.

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s pedestrian safety page offers more guidance. Details about the state program are available online or at 304-926-2509.

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