In Virginia, in 2010 alone, 88 people lost their lives while cycling or walking. An additional 621 bicyclists and 1,858 pedestrians were hurt. While we all know that biking and walking are good for your health, there are some undeniable dangers to riding, walking and running along roadways.

How Virginia Police are Working to Prevent Accidents

In order to combat the rash of bicycle and pedestrian accidents across Virginia, this week has been named Virginia's Bicyclist and Pedestrian Awareness Week. For the third year in a row, police in Culpeper and across Va. will be placing electronic message boards, increasing police presence near crosswalks and reminding the public that they must share the road with bikers and walkers.

"Pedestrians have the right-of-way in crosswalks and motorists need to pay attention and stop," said Culpeper Police Chief Chris Jenkins.

Saving Lives Through Bicycle Helmet Use in Virginia

Across the state, police, in conjunction with Drive Smart Virginia and BikeWalk Virginia, have been offering helmets to those who need them. The hope is that increased helmet use will help lower the number of bikers seriously injured or killed during an accident. Head trauma is a leading cause of permanent injury and death for bicyclists involved in an accident.

What You Can do to Prevent an Accident in Virginia

The staff and attorneys at the Norfolk accident law firm of Tavss Fletcher hope that you take this week of pedestrian and bicyclist safety seriously. As a driver you are responsible for keeping your eyes on the road at all times and always looking for walkers or bikers before you make a turn. If we all carry this message of awareness and accident avoidance with us throughout the year, we can help stop a serious accident before it happens.

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