Due to increased pedestrian complaints and in the interest of public

safety, the Halifax Police Department will begin aggressive traffic

enforcement at pedestrian crosswalks on Main Street beginning Monday,

May 5, 2008.

 According to Virginia law, drivers must yield right-of-way to any

pedestrian crossing a road or highway at any clearly marked crosswalk.

Drivers must also yield to pedestrians crossing at any intersection

when the the legal maximum speed does not exceed 35 miles per hour.

Drivers must change their course, slow down, or stop if necessary to

permit pedestrians to cross safely. 

While it is the responsibility of each driver to stop for pedestrians,

Virginia law advises pedestrians not to enter or cross an intersection

in disregard of approaching traffic. In other words, pedestrians should

not assume right-of-way and endanger themselves by walking in front of

a moving vehicle. 

The Halifax Police Department encourages all drivers to pay special

attention to, and stop for, pedestrian traffic; especially at marked

crosswalks and intersections.