In an article by Dana Hedgpeth, the Washington Post called attention to eight pedestrian deaths that occurred in DC, Maryland, and Virginia in August. In DC, Armin Amin was killed while crossing the street after leaving his restaurant, Chaplin’s, in Shaw. The following night, David Narvaez, who was bartending while training to become a financial analyst, was killed in an unsolved hit and run in Dupont Circle.
From the article:
Officials point to various causes, including speeding, intoxicated drivers, pedestrians darting across roads, and drivers and pedestrians distracted by electronic devices.
Nationwide, lower gas prices and upticks in the economy may be putting more drivers on the road, transportation experts say, while a push to encourage “walkable communities” — where people walk, bike and ride public transportation — has more pedestrians afoot.
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Adjusting to the shift involves engineering such additions as medians and traffic lights, enforcing traffic laws, and educating drivers and pedestrians.
Just this weekend, an unidentified pedestrian was struck and killed by a U-haul truck at 4th Street Northeast and New York Avenue, a 6-lane road cutting through the neighborhood where Union Market has become a popular destination to visit on foot.
The mayor and council have committed to reducing pedestrian deaths like those of Amin, Narvaez and this weekend’s victim. This will require an investment in infrastructure designed to keep people safe while they walk or roll. That means streets that limit driving speeds and improved crossings where pedestrians have ample time to cross and can easily be seen.
All Walks DC advocates for citywide solutions to make the District of Columbia a place where walking is celebrated and respected as a basic human right. It is run entirely by a small group of dedicated volunteers and every donation counts towards helping us continue advocating for pedestrian safety. Donations can be made here.
