Another pedestrian struck at VCU while crossing the street

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - A pedestrian has been struck by a vehicle at Virginia Commonwealth University for the second time in a week.

Police responded to the scene at the intersection of West Grace and Harrison streets just before 9:15 p.m. Thursday.

“Officers determined that the driver struck the pedestrian and cited the driver for failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk,” VCU police said.

The pedestrian was taken to the hospital, but there’s currently no information on their condition.

This incident came less than a week after a pedestrian was hit and killed while crossing the intersection of Laurel and West Main streets.

“VCU Police leaders are working routinely with city officials and other policing agencies to address traffic concerns and to keep roads safe,” VCU police said Friday. “While we continue to work with the city, we respectfully ask everyone to be aware of their surroundings and to practice safe habits.”

Many students walking around campus on Friday say they don’t feel safe when crossing the streets near VCU.

“You definitely got to look twice wherever you go, the drivers out in Richmond, they really don’t,” student Jared Williams said.

“I have felt unsafe like a lot of people don’t really watch when they’re driving, but also some people do not really like they don’t watch when they’re also walking, and they’ll just walk out while texting on their phones,” VCU student Sofia said.

VCU Police is offering reminders to try and prevent another tragedy. For drivers and bikers, they say to follow traffic signals and speed limits. For pedestrians, they recommend wearing bright clothing when it gets dark and not using headphones or earbuds, which can otherwise block the sounds of traffic. However, students say more needs to be done to keep the streets safe.

“Honestly, they don’t really enforce the speed limit around here,” said Williams.

“I think just like bringing more awareness to drivers and pedestrians on how to be safe when crossing the road and when driving,” Sophia said.

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