There are all kinds of New Year’s Resolutions, but one in particular might mean drivers in DC need to be extra mindful. The commitment of DC residents to get healthier in 2025 could be an increase in foot traffic on our city streets. And if our history says anything about the future of DC residents, getting and staying fit will be a top priority.
We’re One of the Fittest Cities
It’s an award bestowed upon the nation’s capital year after year, and we received it again in 2024. Washington DC was once again named one of America’s Most Fittest Cities by The American College of Sports Medicine.
DC came in as number two, with the close by suburb of Arlington swooping in for the top spot of #1. According to the Washington Post, “The annual study looks at the United States’ 100 most populous cities and evaluates their fitness using two main scores: a personal health score, which considers exercise frequency, smoking, and heart disease; and a community environment score, which measures the accessibility of walkable trails, bike paths and parks. It draws from existing public data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which tracks health risk behaviors such as whether people eat fruits and vegetables, exercise, and smoke.”
While it is a commendable feat to be in such a healthy society, the level of fitness means we probably see more runners and walkers out and about than in most cities. And that can come with some challenges.
Pedestrian Deaths According to Vision Zero
According to the city’s Vision Zero Plan, “Between 2017 and 2021, 58 pedestrians died on District roadways, representing 36 percent of all traffic fatalities (161). During the same time, 2159 pedestrians were injured, representing about 16.9 percent of all injuries (12,787). On average, 46 percent of all pedestrian crashes result in an injury each year.”
Vision Zero shares the guidance below for both drivers and pedestrians:
What about walking rules?
- Cross the street at a crosswalk, or if no crosswalk exists, at the intersection.
- Wait for the “Walk” signal before crossing.
- Yield to motor vehicles when crossing mid-block.
- Do not walk in the street if a sidewalk is provided.
- Do not walk while distracted by cell phones or other electronic devices.
As a driver, what should I know about bicycling and walking in DC?
- Vehicles turning right on red must yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.
- Stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk.
- When turning right across a bike lane, check for cyclists, merge into the bike lane, and then execute your turn.
- When turning left or right, check for pedestrians and bicyclists.
- Bike lanes are reserved for bicyclists. Do not park or drive in bike lanes.
- Unless signage indicates otherwise, bicyclists are allowed on all streets and sidewalks outside the DC Central Business District.
What Happens if You Are Involved in a Pedestrian Accident?
If you are involved in a pedestrian accident and you are the pedestrian, we recommend getting to a medical doctor as soon as possible. You may think your injuries are not bad, but it’s always best to err on the side of caution and have a doctor make that call.
It’s also worth noting that DC police will not write up a police report unless an ambulance is called to the scene for medical injuries. That police report can be extremely important when you file your claim. Lawyers also use this police and medical documentation when negotiating a fair and reasonable settlement on your behalf.
Should you need a Washington, DC Pedestrian Accident Lawyer, call The Lapidus Law Firm at (202) 785-5111. We Will Fight to Make Things Right.