In a recent city council meeting, officials presented Virginia Beach's inaugural Local Road Safety Action Plan, aimed at enhancing roadway safety for all users, including vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. The plan, developed in collaboration with traffic engineers and community stakeholders, is a response to alarming trends in traffic fatalities, which have risen despite a decrease in overall crashes.

Katie Shannon from Public Works Engineering highlighted that the plan is data-driven and equitable, addressing systemic issues contributing to roadway safety. The initiative builds on existing programs that focus on infrastructure improvements but expands to include enforcement and education strategies. Rick Loman, the city traffic engineer, noted that while total crashes have declined, fatalities have increased significantly, with a 19% rise in Virginia from 2020 to 2022.

The plan outlines a target goal of reducing fatal and serious injury crashes by half by 2055, with an emphasis on public engagement and collaboration across various city departments. Community feedback has indicated a strong desire for improved pedestrian and bicycle facilities, increased traffic enforcement, and better roadway lighting.

The council discussed the challenges of balancing statistical analysis with community concerns, particularly in areas like Lord Dunmore Drive, where residents report ongoing safety issues. Council members expressed the need for a more flexible approach to address neighborhood-specific safety concerns, even when they do not meet standard metrics.

The plan is set to undergo public comment in the coming weeks, with hopes for adoption by the planning commission and city council in October. It will be updated every five years to ensure continued relevance and effectiveness in improving roadway safety. The initiative is part of a broader federal program, \"Safe Streets for All,\" which has allocated $5 billion nationwide to enhance roadway safety and reduce fatalities.