What can be done about speeding in our neighborhoods?

I live near the north end of Glebe View and speeding on that road is OUT OF CONTROL. What can we do before a child is hit? Kids cross that street every morning and afternoon going to and from the bus. I'm constantly amazed at how fast people go on this road. Something has to be done!

 

Try calling the police and explain the situation. Keep on them if they don't respond.

 

:conf3:there is NOTHING we collectively can do- each individual who drives in the nieghborhood has to decide NOT to do it.

when someone is severely injured or killed by a speeder in the neighborhood, then people will temporarily slow down, cops will step up patrols, and everyone will be deeply saddened for a brief period of time. a few months later the speeding will be back- the dead or injured forgotten by all but those who knew them.


i'd be in favor of graphic signs showing mangled cars and bloody broken bodies ate every neighborhood entrance with the caption: SPEED KILLS SLOW DOWN. other than that- i got nuttin'. :conf3:

 

I've noticed a cultural trend with SW speeders. Seems as though careless driving is more prominent with a certain percentage of the Ashburn population. No, not a hater just a six year observation of who speeds in the neighborhood.

 

Speaking of SW drivers... I know they did traffic counts last year on a number of the intersections... what came of that? Not that I really want more stoplights but I'm tired of nearly being hit at Claiborne/Wynridge.

 

Technically, you can do something. If the person meets the definition of reckless driving in Virginia (Code 46 2 852 ), it is a criminal offense - Class 1 misdemeanor. Any citizen can file and obtain a criminal warrant and press charges against the driver.

Of course this becomes a he said/she said scenario unless you have additionla witnesses or video of the incident.

The penalty for this type of driving is equal to that of a DUI in Virginia - Loss of license, $2500 fine, and possible jail time.

 

If you serious, be prepared to move forward with the legal process (ie go to court to testify), have your name made public, et al. Also, if it is an underage driver, the situation gets a little more complicated.

Don't be surprised when the parents engage their attorney rather than respond directly to an initial knock at the door from the police. I think that covers the basics from our experience.

As Jim wrote, it will be a he/she said case without evidence. Setup a digital camera(s), like a GoPro HD Hero 2 to your car or in the yard. If there is an incident, you'll have it on film. You can also use the camera for other fun stuff.

http://gopro.com/

 

I live on Vestals Gap Speedway and just pulling out of my driveway is a risky endeavor. The speed limit is 25 mph. There shouldn't be someone suddenly staring me down when I pull out. My kids are relegated to the backyard because of the speeding problem. 98% of the time, people won't slow down at the trail crossing either - even when they see kids waiting to cross. It's frustrating when you live in a neighborhood and you know your neighbors wouldn't appreciate drivers speeding on their streets, but feel it's perfectly acceptable to speed on yours.

 

What are "SW speeders?"

 

Southern Walk speeders. If you look back over the threads on the board you'll notice a lot of the pro-speeding movement is SW. If I sit out front (on north side) with my speed gun folks will usually slow down and pretend not to notice me. I guess in SW they'll give you the finger and speed up.

 

The Sheriff's office has been responsive if they get more than two complaints in a concentrated area. Below is the "official" County Traffic Complaint form

http://inter4.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=1456

In addition Ridgeway has the $200 additional speeding fine.

 

Just to clarify, it's not just Southern Walkers, Plenty of Northern Broadlanders speed excessively, especially out of the Townhome area off Demott. I've been nearly killed there twice by some A$$hats in that area coming out of the town homes at Warp 1. SO there is plenty of blame to go around.

 

ridiculous to say speeders are more prevalent in one section of the broadlands over another, they are everywhere. I live in north b.lands and see more people speeding than not on most days. I'm sure ourSW neighbors observe the same.

 

Can you buy some of those spike sticks that the cops use? That would sure stop the speeders but you gotta move pretty fast.

 

My parents live in Potomac Green. It's an over-55 community in Ashburn. In a couple of spots in the neighborhood they have small speed monitors attached to light posts. It's a quick reminder as you pass by that you're driving thoughtfully or you're going a bit too fast.

I'm not suggesting that this is the way Broadlands should go, but it's an idea. I'd like to think that most people don't intend to drive recklessly, but have lots on their minds or are young drivers. (Yes. Neither are good excuses.) Maybe a "Wow. I didn't realize I was going THAT fast." would be enough to slow everyone, or at least most people, down?

 

worse than speeding lately is the texting while driving, and floating into oncoming traffic.twice on chicakoan we've had to lay on the horn to get the attention of some idiot with their head down while driving! they were coming right at us, we could have been a kid on a bike or pedestrian! it'll take a death to wake people up.

 

Don't do it to this guy...

5/18/12
1510 hrs.
Claiborne Pkwy./Waxpool Rd.

Brandishing Weapon: Victim was behind vehicle and honked their horn when the vehicle failed to proceed at a green light. A few minutes later the vehicle pulled next to the victim and brandished a firearm. The suspect was driving a black Ford F150 and was described as a White male in his 30’s.
C2012-007943

 

wowwwww.... note to self!

 

I hope they called the police. Brandishing a weapon is a BIG no no!