News

January 12, 2004
State's first safety zone set on I-81

by Peter Bacque
Richmond Times-Dispatch

Virginia's first safety-enforcement zone, where traffic violations will cost dangerous drivers higher penalties, will go into effect this week on Interstate 81 in western Virginia.

Beginning tomorrow, motorists on I-81 between Salem and Ironto could be fined as much as $2,500 for traffic offenses.

In 2002, 93 people were injured in 177 crashes on the singled-out section of I-81.

The tougher fines are part of a highway-safety-corridor program created by the 2003 General Assembly to improve safety on troublesome stretches of Virginia's interstate system.

Tickets for speeding could result in fines up to $500, the Virginia Department of Transportation said. Criminal offenses such as reckless driving or driving under the influence could result in fines up to $2,500.

"The purpose of this program is to reduce highway deaths and injuries," state police Capt. Charles Compton said.

"With increased enforcement and higher fines," Compton said, "we can enhance safety on this section of I-81, which seems to be a high-crash location."

Motorists will see bright yellow, 12-foot-wide signs marking the 15-mile safety-enforcement zone where the harsher penalties apply.

The state's first special enforcement zone extends from mile marker 127 near Ironto in Montgomery County to mile marker 142 near Salem. More than 20 signs will be posted to alert drivers to the zone.

The program will expand this spring as VDOT engineers continue to analyze interstate safety statistics to identify stretches with unusually high numbers of crashes. VDOT, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles and state police are cooperating to make the safety program work.

Statewide, 913 people died and nearly 79,000 more were injured in Virginia motor-vehicle crashes in 2002.

Contact Peter Bacque at (804) 649-6813 or pbacque@timesdispatch.com