Safer roads are in the distance

By Linda Cicoira

The Accomack-Northampton District Planning Commission is gathering Information and public input to make roads safer on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.

Locally, nearly 4,000 crashes occurred between 2020 and 2024, including 58 fatalities and 388 accidents with serious injuries. About 80 percent of the crashes occurred on Lankford Highway. Around 52 percent were collisions with deer or fixed objects on or near the road. Thirty-nine percent were in dark conditions, 39 percent involved speeding, 35 percent involved impaired driving, and 35 percent involved unbelted occupants.

Late last year, the commission was awarded $200,000 from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets for All program to develop a plan to reduce the fatal and serious injuries for all roadway users. Other goals include creating a safer environment, increasing safety practices, and identifying safety improvement projects that align with available funding.

The commission aims to lower the number of crashes by 40 percent in the next 25 years.

An interactive map that allows people to comment on concerns for certain locations and a survey are available at: https://engagekh.mysocialpinpoint.com/travelsafeeasternshore

Regional strategies and documentation are expected to be completed by April 2026. A final plan will be submitted to local officials before funding is sought for implementation.