August 11, 2005
Just last week a teenager was charged with reckless driving on Old Lynchburg Road after losing control of his vehicle and hitting an embankment. Residents in the area feel the accident wasn't completely the teenager's fault, and are becoming more and more concerned, but the Virginia Department of Transportation hasn't received any complaints.
It's a road with many curves, but few speed limit signs, which is why drivers often choose their own speed.
"It's not unusual to see cars and trucks and even school buses doing 55-60 miles an hour through here," said Resident Doug Arrington.
Residents along Old Lynchburg Rd. are becoming more and more concerned about the frequency of accidents in the area, an issue that directly falls under the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).
VDOT's primary goal is to keep roads safe. "There's thousands of miles of road in Albemarle and Greene County that we look after," explained Charlottesville Residency Administrator James Utterback. "We've got a lot of people out there looking and trying to be aware, and we try to be proactive, but help from citizens is good."
Although residents have been complaining about the speed limit, no complaints have been filed with VDOT. "It's gotta be a coordinated effort, it takes everyone," said Utterback.
Virginia police departments are required to file all accident reports with the state, who then turns it over to VDOT for review. So far the accidents along Old Lynchburg Rd. haven't raised any red flags.
Utterback said the Charlottesville Residency should be the first point of contact for anyone with road safety concerns. There number is 434-293-0011.
