8 Pedestrian Deaths in 2025 Spark Safety Warnings [PORTSMOUTH, VA]

8 Pedestrian Deaths in 2025 Spark Safety Warnings: Eight pedestrian deaths have been reported in Hampton Roads during the first three months of 2025, according to VDOT, prompting urgent calls for increased safety awareness. Recent incidents include a pedestrian fatally struck on West Mercury Boulevard in Hampton and another victim found dead at the scene of a pedestrian-vehicle crash in Newport News near Ivy Farms Road and Jefferson Avenue. With these tragedies on the rise, experts emphasize the need for pedestrians and drivers to stay vigilant.

Pedestrian Safety Measures

Staying safe as a pedestrian requires strict adherence to traffic rules and increased visibility. Pedestrians should always use sidewalks and designated crosswalks, looking both ways before stepping onto the street. If a sidewalk is unavailable, walking against the traffic flow is safest. At night, wearing bright or reflective clothing and carrying a flashlight can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.

“Even turning on the flashlight on your cell phone can make yourself more visible as a pedestrian, especially during those darker hours,” said Ryan Adcock with AAA Tidewater. Adcock also highlighted April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month, stressing that driver attentiveness plays a key role in pedestrian safety, particularly in busy downtown areas.

To further enhance safety, Adcock urges drivers to avoid distractions: “Putting our cell phones away, making sure that we’re putting on ‘Do Not Disturb’ while driving—especially in high-pedestrian areas—can make a difference in saving lives.”

The Growing Impact of Distracted Driving

In 2023, Hampton Roads recorded 33 pedestrian fatalities. That number dropped to 25 in 2024, but the current trend in 2025 remains alarming. According to DMV Commissioner Gerald Lackey, distracted driving remains underreported, meaning the real impact may be even more severe.

“The heartbreaking thing about the statistics we see on distracted driving is that the problem is worse than the numbers show,” Lackey stated. “The crashes attributed to distracted driving may be the tip of the iceberg. Please, put your phone down and keep your eyes on the road.”

Compensation for Victims and Legal Assistance

For victims of pedestrian accidents and their families, the consequences extend beyond physical injuries and emotional distress—they also face significant financial burdens. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and pain and suffering. In cases where a pedestrian loses their life due to a driver’s negligence, surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim to cover funeral expenses and loss of companionship.

At Briet Law, we understand the complexities of pedestrian accident claims and work tirelessly to help victims secure the compensation they deserve. Our experienced attorneys will thoroughly investigate the accident, gather crucial evidence, and negotiate aggressively with insurance companies. If necessary, we are fully prepared to take cases to court to ensure justice is served.

It’s important to have experienced lawyers on your side when you lose a loved one in a car accident. Call us at 757-330-4108 for a free and confidential case evaluation. You can reach us by phone, text, and online chat 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Note: Our law office relies on external sources for the content of this post. Although we aim for accuracy, we have not independently verified all facts related to this incident. Should you identify any inaccuracies, please notify Breit Law Attorneys for corrections. Posts will be removed upon request.

Disclaimer: The content of this post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for business. The information contained herein is not intended to offer legal or medical advice. If you or someone you care about has been injured in an accident, it is recommended to seek immediate medical assistance.