'Eye To Eye' Contact Urged To Keep Pedestrians Safe In Vienna

VIENNA, VA — Vienna officials have a message for drivers and pedestrians: avoid distractions and make eye contact before a pedestrian crosses the road.

Mayor Linda Colbert and Police Chief Jim Morris held a brief news conference Friday to promote the town's "Eye to Eye" campaign. The town's Pedestrian Advisory Committee spearheaded the initiative to encourage drivers and crossing pedestrians to make eye contact.

The mayor and police chief highlighted the campaign at Marshall Road SW and Pickett Place SW, where pedestrian crossing signage encourages pedestrians to make eye contact before crossing. According to Colbert, there are four locations around the Town of Vienna with this message, and more will be added.

Colbert said the campaign is a good reminder for all residents, including children.

"You know, we're all on our phones so much now. Get off your phone. Anytime you're in a crosswalk or crossing any street look at the driver if there's a driver coming up," said Colbert. "And drivers, you need to be doing the same thing — look left and right and catch that pedestrian's attention."

Morris noted that Virginia had 171 pedestrian fatalities last year, and Vienna has several incidents each month. The police chief wants to see those pedestrian crashes eliminated.

"It's very basic concept It's making eye contact but it's so important as you travel around town, whether you're on a crosswalk, or crossing the W&OD path when it crosses Park [Street], very important to make that eye contact," said Morris.

The campaign comes amid National Pedestrian Safety Month in October.