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Virginia Legal News

Virginia Beach speed limit traffic study reveals results.

Virginia Beach Traffic Study Suggests That Lower Speed Limit Did Not Increase Roadway Safety

The City Council of Virginia Beach lowered the speed limit on Shore Drive from 45 mph to 35 mph after civic leaders and families of the ten pedestrians that had been killed on Shore Drive in the past eight years pushed for the decreased speed limit. The city recently commissioned a study to measure the benefits of the decreased speed limit. The study, which was performed by Parsons Brinckerhoff, Inc., found that “based on the speed, crash and physical characteristics data, the previously posted 45 mph speed limit was appropriate” and that “reducing the speed limit to 35 mph has yet to show benefits or impacts in terms of safety.”

Local news sources and opponents of the reduced speed limit have pointed to the fact that many of the pedestrians that were injured or killed on Shore Drive were attempting to cross the street after exiting a local bar. Therefore, it is believed that many of the fatal incidents that have occurred on Shore Drive were alcohol related. Opponents of the reduced speed limit have also commented on the fact that they believe that the new rule does nothing more than slow down traffic. 

Even though there has been speculation regarding whether or not the speed limit on Shore Drive will be raised back up to 45 mph, city officials such as Vice Mayor Louis Jones and Councilman Jim Wood, have stated that they wish to keep the speed limit posted at 35 mph. Vice Major Jones supports his position with the fact that no deaths or serious accidents have occurred since the lower speed limit was implemented in June 2010

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