Students around Grounds could feel somewhat safer crossing the street if House transportation committee members approve a bill aimed at protecting pedestrians at crosswalks.
According to Del. David J. Toscano, D-Charlottesville, the bill would require drivers to stop, rather than yield, if a pedestrian steps onto a marked crosswalk.
"Right now [drivers] simply have to yield," Toscano said. "[The bill] would make it a lot clearer and particularly help in urban areas to ensure that pedestrians are not injured."
According to Toscano, the law would only apply to pedestrians standing on crosswalks.
"My hope is that if the bill passes, drivers will more clearly understand their responsibilities and pedestrians will have a higher level of safety when they cross at marked crosswalks," he said.
Toscano said the law would also only apply to roads with speed limits under 35 mph.
"It's very difficult for a car traveling at 45 mph to stop if someone steps on the crosswalk, so it only really applies to urban areas where you have lower speed limits," he explained.
University Police Lt. Melissa Fielding said it is important for drivers and pedestrians to work together to maintain safety.
"The University is always interested in trying to implement devices, protocols or policies to ensure the safety of the community," Fielding added.
Some students said they agreed with the bill, believing it could help increase pedestrian safety for University students.
Continuing Education student Robert Johnson said he felt it can be unsafe to walk around Grounds, although the situation has improved since flashing lights were added to certain crosswalks last semester.
Having to stop completely at crosswalks "doesn't increase driver frustration and is safer for pedestrians," Johnson added.
Other students, however, said they already feel safe crossing roads around the area.
Second-year Ph.D. student Rebecca Rine said she already feels safe on the streets, noting that drivers tend to respect pedestrians in the Charlottesville community.
"I generally feel safe," Rine said. "I drive on campus ... and I'm always aware that I need to look for pedestrians. Hopefully other people do that too."
According to fourth-year College student Anna Steele, it is the pedestrians in Charlottesville who do not respect drivers enough.
"Pedestrians have to watch where they're going, too," Steele said. "Some people walk out without looking, which is just stupid."
Toscano said legislators may soon vote on another bill that would place more responsibility on pedestrians when crossing the street.
Currently, pedestrians are required to stop if there is a signal that says "don't walk." When there is simply a red hand signal, however, the law is unclear, Toscano said. This bill would require pedestrians to stop if the sign has a red hand as well as if it says "don't walk."
"The amendment will ensure that we can better enforce traffic signals that require pedestrians to stop," Toscano said.
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