After ten pedestrians were killed in the past eight years, and numerous car-bicycle accidents that led to serious injuries, Virginia Beach officials lowered the speed limit on a stretch of Shore Drive from 45 mph to 35 mph.
This was in response to an outcry from Va. Beach residents who view Shore Drive as an extremely dangerous road pitting speeding cars and pedestrians who cross the road to get to various local businesses and the beach.
My colleague Jim Lewis wrote about these safety concerns revolving around speeding drivers and traffic on Shore Drive a couple months ago after a school teacher was hit and killed by a car while crossing Shore Drive.
The new speed limit will affect the four-mile stretch of Shore Drive between Pleasure House Road and North Great Neck Road, according to The Virginian-Pilot.
Here’s a news report detailing the Shore Drive speed limit reduction…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8npxVKQnXI
This is not the first time the speed limit has been reduced on Shore Drive. In 2009, the speed limit was reduced between North Great Neck Road and First Landing State Park in an effort to decrease car accidents.
Will the speed limit reduction actually cut down on the number of serious car wrecks and crosswalk accidents? No one can say for sure, but it’s a good idea considering the increased volume of traffic and pedestrians making their way to Va. Beach during the summer.
The response to the news from the public has been positive. Virginia Beach Vice Mayor Louis Jones told the Pilot, "People are telling me they can finally take their kids across Shore Drive without fear of being run over."
About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm (VA-NC law offices ) edits the injury law blogs Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, and Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard as a pro bono service to consumers.
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