Front Royal Police detail another pedestrian-fatal South Street accident

Information released by the Front Royal Police Friday, June 7, indicates that the 65-year-old female Front Royal resident killed Thursday, June 6, on South Street, was legally crossing the street within one of the Town’s newer, painted pedestrian crosswalks.

The FRPD press release reads in full:

“On June 6, 2019, at 10:28 p.m., the Front Royal Police Department responded to a report of a pedestrian versus vehicle accident on South Street. A 2019 Buick 4 door, driven by Herman Melvin Vohs, Jr., 75-year-old Front Royal resident, was traveling westbound on South Street when he struck Ethel Elaine Blackwell as she was crossing the street. Blackwell, 65, a Front Royal resident, was pronounced deceased at the scene by medics. Preliminary investigation into the fatal accident indicates that Blackwell was in the crosswalk at the intersection of Acton Street at the point of impact.

“No further information will be released at this time, pending further investigation. Once all information is collected, the case will be staffed with the Warren County Commonwealth’s Attorney Office.

“If you have any information related to this incident, please contact Traffic Enforcement Officer J. Noland at 540-635-2111 or jnoland@frontroyalva.com.”

Town Council discussion surrounding its STOPS (Smart Towns Observe Pedestrian Safety) Program implemented in the wake of three pedestrian deaths within a one-year period a couple years ago indicates pedestrians have the right of way to moving traffic while in those painted, designated crosswalks.

The pedestrian crosswalk at Acton Street’s intersection with South Street – the centerline sign tells drivers to ‘YIELD’ to pedestrians. Royal Examiner Photo/Roger Bianchini

However, Ethel Elaine Blackwell’s death yesterday points to ongoing dangers for pedestrians on high-traffic volume streets, particularly during rush hours or after dark, with or without marked crosswalks.

South Street and North Shenandoah Avenue at town entranceways populated by commercial strips in proximity to residential neighborhoods have been the two most dangerous roads for town pedestrians.

How this most recent pedestrian fatality will impact future council decisions on crosswalk implementation with or without accompanying signage or pedestrian-activated stop lights remains to be seen.

The view south up Acton Street