PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Eight people have already been killed in pedestrian crashes in Hampton Roads during the first three months of 2025, according to VDOT, and that's why experts want to stress the importance of staying safe while walking along our roadways. New AAA study points to al arming trend of pedestrian deaths in U.S. There have been a pair of recent pedestrian-related deaths in the last several days, including a pedestrian who died after being struck by a vehicle on West Mercury Boulevard in Hampton. Pedestrian struck and killed by vehicle on West Mercury Boulevard in Hampton On Sunday, two pedestrians died after they were struck by a vehicle in Pasquotank County, in northeastern North Carolina. Siblings struck by minivan in Pasquotank Co. die from injuries; driver charged And in Newport News, a man was found dead at the scene after a pedestrian-vehicle crash in the area of Ivy Farms Road and Jefferson Avenue. Police: Man dies after pedestrian-vehicle crash in Newport News Being safe as a pedestrian all boils down to following the rules of the road and making yourself visible. Always stick with sidewalks and crosswalks, looking both ways before crossing. If walking on a road with no sidewalk, walk against the direction of traffic. If walking at night, try to wear bright colors and bring a light to make yourself easier for drivers to see. "Even turning on the flashlight on your cell phone can make yourself more visible as a pedestrian, especially during those darker hours," said Ryan Adcock with AAA Tidewater. Previously: Watching where you walk: Experts see surge in pedestrian fatalities across Hampton Roads Adcock said April is Distracted Driving Awareness month. Paying attention to the road will help keep pedestrians safe, especially in downtown areas where pedestrians do not always follow the rules. Adcock said people should be "putting our cell phones away, making sure that we're putting on do not disturb while driving, especially if we are driving through some of these downtown type areas where pedestrians are more abound." In 2023, 33 pedestrian fatalities were reported in Hampton Roads. This trended down to 25 deaths in 2024. ...read more read less