As of Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024,Fairfax County Police detectives from the Crash Reconstruction Unit continue investigating four fatal pedestrian crashes within the last ten days bringing the year's total to 15 pedestrians killed by drivers in Fairfax County. Drivers struck and killed one pedestrian on a sidewalk, another within a crosswalk, and two outside crosswalks and in roadways.

It is a “crash” not an “accident.” “Crash” indicates the incidents are preventable, according to a guide, created from a study out of Texas A&M University,that reduces victim blaming and elevates crashes as a preventable “public health concern.” 

Discussing World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims in 2023, Anna Ricklin, MHS, Health in All Policies Manager at the Fairfax County Health Department said, “We have analyzed the past eight-and-a-half years of traffic crash data and see traffic safety, especially for pedestrians, as a health issue that requires a multidisciplinary, systems level response.”

This crash marked the 15th pedestrian fatality in Fairfax County in 2024: An 80-year-old Vienna pedestrian was hit and killed by the driver of a truck in Oakton on Saturday morning, Sept. 21. Police report that officers from the Fair Oaks Police District were called to the junction of Hunter Mill Road and Lynnhaven Place at 8:42 a.m. In their preliminary investigation, detectives concluded that Choon Kook, 80, of Vienna, entered the crosswalk at the junction of Lynnhaven Place and Hunter Mill Road. The driver of a Ford F-150 trying to turn into Oakton Shopping Center from Hunter Mill Road struck Kook with his vehicle. Kook was transported to the hospital and later pronounced deceased. According to police, the driver stayed on the scene and was not speeding or drunk. Investigations of the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing.

This crash marked the 14th pedestrian fatality in Fairfax County in 2024: On the evening of Sept. 21, Tracy Roane, 56, of Centreville, was hit and killed by a driver of a Nissan SUV traveling northbound on Route 29 just past White Post Road. Roane was walking in the northbound lanes of Route 29, not in a crosswalk, according to police. Around 8:19 p.m., officers responded to the location for a pedestrian struck by a vehicle. Additional vehicles struck Roane while he was still in the roadway, according to the police report. He was declared deceased, and all drivers remained at the scene. Alcohol does not appear to be a factor for the drivers, and speed is under investigation. The pedestrian's alcohol remains under investigation, according to police.

This crash marked the 13th pedestrian fatality in Fairfax County in 2024: On the evening of Sept. 19, Oscar Daniel Martinez Granados, 24, of Woodbridge was hit and severely injured by the driver of an Acura sedan traveling east on Old Keene Mill Road. Granados was transported to the hospital and was pronounced deceased on Sept. 21. Police determined that Granados walked into the eastbound lanes of Old Keene Mill Road, not in a crosswalk. According to detectives, alcohol does not appear to be a factor for the driver, and speed is still under investigation. The circumstances surrounding the crash are being investigated.

This crash marked the 12th pedestrian fatality in Fairfax County in 2024: Early on Sept. 13, Cesar Pasassi, 43, of Springfield, who was walking west on the sidewalk alongside the eastbound lanes of Franconia Road was hit and killed by the driver of a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. The driver drove off the roadway onto the sidewalk. Officers responded to the scene around 6 a.m. The driver of the Volkswagen abandoned the vehicle at the scene and fled before police arrived.

Anyone with information about these crashes is asked to contact the Fairfax County Crash Reconstruction Unit at 703-280-0543. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477).

Drivers should stay alert and watch for pedestrians, particularly in busy areas and at night. Drivers must respect crosswalks and never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk, as pedestrians may be crossing that you can not see. Stick to the speed limit. Fairfax County authorities urge pedestrians to use designated crosswalks whenever possible, obey traffic signals and check for oncoming traffic before proceeding. Stay visible; if walking at night, carry a flashlight or use a phone’s flashlight. 

Slowing Down

House Bill 1071 could lower speed limits to 15 mph on some roads in the county. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is considering lowering the speed limit to 25 mph but not less than 15 mph on highways within its boundaries in business or residential areas. On Sept. 17, the board held a brief preliminary discussion on House Bill 1071 at its transportation committee meeting and plans a more in-depth discussion in October.

“This would be the first time we've seen a reduction below 25, I believe probably in history,” Jeff McKay, chairman of the board of supervisors said. ”One of the places that might be interesting to look at is any community that petitioned for traffic calming, but didn't qualify for some reason.”

McKay cautioned where a pilot program goes must be a location it can safely be implemented. “Some of our roads are 25 [mph], now just because of their topography. It's very difficult to go 25; I mean, literally you'll get run off the road.”

Vanessa Holt, traffic engineering section of the Fairfax County Department of Transportation explained Va. House Bill 1071, effective July 1, allows any county city or town in Virginia to lower speed limits by ordinance on highways within its boundaries, provided they are indicated by lawfully placed signs. Localities must notify the Commissioner of Highways of any changes in speed limit. The supervisors will discuss the bill further at its transportation committee meeting Oct. 29.

As part of World Day of Remembrance for road traffic victims on Sunday, Nov. 13, grieving families, crash survivors and others across the nation including those in Fairfax County will call on local, state and federal leaders to implement proven safety solutions.