Petersburg Residents Demand Safety Measures following Fatal Tesla Crash
Petersburg, VA – Neighbors in Petersburg are calling for immediate action to address traffic safety concerns following a deadly single-vehicle crash involving a Tesla on Saturday, April 27th.The incident, which occurred on West river Road near the intersection of Wythe Street, left one person dead and sparked renewed debate about speed limits and pedestrian safety in the area.
The crash has intensified long-standing anxieties among residents who say the stretch of West River Road has become increasingly dangerous due to speeding and a lack of adequate safety infrastructure. Community members are now urging city officials to consider measures such as reduced speed limits, increased police presence, and the installation of pedestrian crosswalks and traffic calming devices. the tragedy underscores a growing concern for vulnerable road users in a rapidly developing area, and residents are determined to prevent future loss of life.
According to Petersburg Police, the vehicle, a Tesla, crashed into a tree around 10:30 PM. The driver, whose name has not yet been released pending notification of family, was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of the crash remains under investigation,but authorities confirmed speed was a factor.
“It’s just a matter of time before something like this happened again,” said local resident Maria Johnson,who has lived on West River Road for over 20 years. “People fly down this road all the time. It’s a residential area, and there are kids playing, people walking their dogs. Something needs to be done to slow traffic down.”
The area surrounding the crash site has seen significant residential growth in recent years, leading to increased pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Residents claim that the current infrastructure is inadequate to handle the increased volume,and that the city has been slow to respond to their concerns.
CBS 6 has reached out to Petersburg city officials for comment and is awaiting a response. The news station is committed to sharing community voices on this crucial topic and encourages residents to email their thoughts to newstips@wtvr.com.
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