RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney addressed recent pedestrian and vehicle crashes at a press conference at City Hall on Wednesday.
According to Stoney, more than 5,000 car accidents happen in the city each year, with 16 people killed on average.
Stoney cited speeding, distractions at the wheel and failure to stop for pedestrians as the biggest factors leading to crashes. He directed his comments at Richmonders, asking drivers to slow down and be more aware.
“We need a total cultural change here in Richmond,” Stoney said. “I want everyone to take the message to heart. We all must behave better when we’re behind the wheel.”
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Stoney said the city is continuing to implement measures of education, engineering and enforcement to stop these accidents which include roadway conversions, red light and speed cameras.
The mayor also cited the city’s new speed camera pilot program , which has generated $200,000 in fines and 14,000 citations since its launch in Spring.