19 May 2012
Saturday
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19 May 2012
Saturday
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Learn More Modes Automobiles Automobiles
| Automobiles |
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A city as geographically spread out as Virginia Beach could hardly have grown to its present size without the widespread affordability of personal cars. The effects can be seen in our road patterns and in parking lots. Neighborhoods developed in recent decades have featured cul de sacs and limited entry to reduce through traffic. Almost the only parking that is not free serves as beach access. Drive thru service is offered by a wide variety of businesses. Automobile makers design cars to meet a range of expectations, from high gas mileage to off-road ruggedness to luxury symbol. Better gas mileage appeals to those concerned about foreign oil and global climate as well as those wanting to save money. Driving safety is an ongoing issue – even as manufacturers add safety devices, other parts malfunction and cause accidents.
There are over 10 million motor vehicle accidents per year according to the US census. According to the Virginia DMV, in 2008 there were 301, 218 licensed drivers resident in Virginia Beach and the death rate for those drivers was one in one thousand. There were 7.258 crashes, 31 fatalities and 3,345 injuries in Virginia Beach in 2008. For 2007, the Virginia Beach Police Department reported 52,395 traffic summonses, 9250 reported accidents, and 23 fatal crashes resulting in 24 fatalities. The highest accident locations were: 1. Holland Rd / Rosemont Rd (48 accidents) 2. Lynnhaven Pkwy / Princess Anne Rd (47 accidents) 3. Indian River Rd / Kempsville Rd (39 accidents) 4. First Colonial Rd / Virginia Beach Blvd (36 accidents) 5. Independence Blvd & Virginia Beach Blvd (34 accidents) |
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