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Accident at corner of Claiborne & Waxpool

Discussion in 'General Chat Forum' started by kvandyke1@aol.com, Mar 12, 2014.

  1. Che11ez

    Che11ez Active Member

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    From what I interpreted, looks like she was hit in the crosswalk, but that's just 'IMO.'
     
  2. flynnibus

    flynnibus Well-Known Member Forum Staff

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    That right of way is limited by common sense tho. The law states "No pedestrian shall enter or cross an intersection in disregard of approaching traffic"

    A pedestrian can not step out in front of moving traffic paying no attention to the existing traffic. IE: Step out in front of a vehicle that would not be able to stop
     
    Steve Campot likes this.
  3. Villager

    Villager Ashburn Village Resident

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    I worry about the runners, walkers, and cyclists who wear earbuds and listen to music while they're out. I know people do that all the time but losing your sense of hearing and not being able to hear what's happening around you can be very dangerous, whether it's traffic, muggers, or anything else. I don't know if this person was listening to music, but it's a concern of mine in general.
     
    flynnibus likes this.
  4. rpunit

    rpunit New Member

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    Sad and shocking. Our thoughts with both the families. No matter how many signs are posted or how many regulations are enacted, the pedestrian on the road is always the vulnerable one. You are not enclosed in a steel bubble with air bags and are one accident away from a serious injury or potential death. This means you should be extra careful and be responsible for your own safety. Especially in this day and age where distractions abound.
     
    flynnibus likes this.
  5. ExRIGuy

    ExRIGuy New Member

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    It was the mother of my daughter's friend, who attends Eagle Ridge. Heartbreaking. If I learn more about public services etc. I will advise.
     
  6. cobymom

    cobymom Sheila Ryan

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    This is very sad, and I'm sure at least one of the people involved is part of the Broadlands community. Speculation abounds about this terrible incident without many facts to support any of the scenarios posited so far on this thread. So awful for both families.
     
  7. T8erman

    T8erman Well-Known Member

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    According to VA code § 46.2-924 Section B
    "No pedestrian shall enter or cross an intersection in disregard of approaching traffic."
     
  8. Richard Albury

    Richard Albury New Member

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  9. boomertsfx

    boomertsfx Booyakasha!

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    Nice insensitive cherry pick... drivers are required to be equally responsible in the same section of code... http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000 cod 46.2-924
     
    chris67 likes this.
  10. flynnibus

    flynnibus Well-Known Member Forum Staff

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    It's not a cherry pick.. the poster made the statement a pedestrian always has the right of way - that does not encompass the full scope of the law. The law accommodates the reality that a pedestrian can not step in front of traffic in an irresponsible way and claim right of way. The law says pedestrians should be yielded to, but the pedestrian must also not enter an intersection in a responsible manner.

    The last thing you want people to do is CHALLENGE cars thinking 'I have the right of way' and somehow that will protect them.
     
  11. Twinmama

    Twinmama Member

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    This was posted on the Brambleton Road Runners' FB page yesterday:

    Our hearts were broken this morning by the news of the local mother of two from the Broadlands that was killed while on her morning run. Let's join together as a running community in support of her family and loved ones by tying an old pair of running shoes to the street sign at the intersection of Claiborne and Waxpool roads as a memorial to her. A few of us are planning to head over to start as early as tomorrow (Thursday). SPREAD THE WORD!
     
    Che11ez likes this.
  12. T8erman

    T8erman Well-Known Member

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    How was I insensitive? Can you interpret my emotions from a post? Should I put a disclaimer in every post made in this thread; "I fell awful about this tragic accident, but..."

    Don't look for something that is not there boomer.
     
    Che11ez likes this.
  13. boomertsfx

    boomertsfx Booyakasha!

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    Well, I would have just presented the whole section instead of pasting one line as a retort that could be construed as putting a dead person at fault. But that's just me. Sorry if I called you insensitive. :grouphug:

    Nobody here knows all of the facts, so no need to argue on a forum over it =) Hopefully both drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists will be more vigilant about watching their surroundings/speed/etc... I know I will be -- I bike through there with my kids on their way to school quite often.
     
    Last edited: Mar 13, 2014
  14. mdcrim

    mdcrim Member

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    http://www.gofundme.com/7hy03o

    Someone has set up a fundraising page. Apparently she was a single mom with two daughters. So sad for all involved.
     
    Che11ez likes this.
  15. redon1

    redon1 aka Aphioni

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    Che11ez likes this.
  16. Coley

    Coley New Member

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    I agree Julie. I called VDOT back in December with my concerns about the 45mph speed limits within our community. It is very challenging to crossing the streets as both a pedestrian and driver under the current conditions. I was told by VDOT that they recently (within the last year) conducted a speed study in the area and determined that based on the road geometry and current speed of drivers, they felt that 45mph is appropriate that I should contact the Loudoun County Sheriffs office in order to enforce the speed limit. I have a problem with the speed limit and then compounding it with people who do above the limit, just complicates the situation. I plan to send letters to all of the local community leaders until this is resolved. VDOT refuses to conduct another study until 2-3 years down the line.
     
    Julie E likes this.
  17. flynnibus

    flynnibus Well-Known Member Forum Staff

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    It's a controlled intersection with a median. What specifically would the speed limits do for making it easier to cross the road? The cross traffic is at a red light, and the turning traffic needs to slow down to make the turn anyways. So I'm a bit confused how changing the speed limit would make crossing easier/harder?

    The road also has under passes both north and south of the intersection for anyone who doesn't really want to cross that road.
     
    blunoz likes this.
  18. T8erman

    T8erman Well-Known Member

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    This is not meant to make light of the horrible accident (and I truly mean it), but...

    After almost any tragic event like this, there is always a public outcry to make changes. IMO, the only change needed is for people TO PAY ATTENTION.
    - The speed limits are based on traffic studies done throughout the state/country and they are APPROPRIATE for the major roads through Broadlands.
    - The four-way stop signs SUCK, but if you PAY ATTENTION, then they are navigable without much concern. BUT, I will say we need some lights at some of the intersections in the area!
    - The sidewalks along Wynridge are like most every other sidewalk.

    As for forming a "Task Force", I honestly think it would be futile. VDOT (with rare exceptions) will not make changes that THEY do not feel need to be done. As for the other suggestions, they would cost $$$ and I doubt any entity would pay for the changes. And for the bad and aggressive drivers, other than getting stopped by Police, no changes to traffic signs or patterns will like make a difference. If they run a small stop sign, they will run a big one too.
     
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  19. boomertsfx

    boomertsfx Booyakasha!

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    Interestingly, the "controlled intersection with a median" at Shellhorn and Ash Village is 35 on both roads -- wonder why it's not 45 there too.

    Boo lights, more traffic circles! 8)
     
  20. cobymom

    cobymom Sheila Ryan

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    If it's APPROPRIATE for Claiborne to be 40 mph in Ashburn, why isn't it appropriate for it to be 40 mph in Broadlands? Especially past the Waxpool stoplight, where it apparently changes to 55 mph, since there are no posted speed limit signs, and the road is a 4-lane divided highway. 55 mph in a residential area, near an elementary school, pool and community center, really?
     
    PDILLM likes this.

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