Seven motorcycle fatalities in a little more than five years along one four-mile stretch of highway are far too many.
That's why the Virginia Department of Transportation is reducing the speed limit on U.S. 211 between Sperryville and the Skyline Drive in Rappahannock County from 45 mph to 35 mph.
The new speed limit went into effect yesterday.
According to VDOT spokesman Lou Hatter, there have been 51 motorcycle crashes on this winding 3.75-mile climb since 2002. Forty-six motorcyclists were injured and seven have been killed during that span.
Excessive speed and sharp curves, often with loose gravel or wet leaves on the asphalt, have often been a deadly combination. Some bikers like to "lay down" and take the curves as fast as possible, officials said.
"For several years, the Rappahannock County Sheriff's Office and the Virginia State Police have worked together to attempt to reduce crashes by conducting speed enforcement operations," Hatter said. "VDOT has installed additional directional signs, pavement markings and rumble strips to warn of the mountain curves and cleared brush on the highway right of way to improve visibility."
On weekends, VDOT has placed portable message boards along the road west of Sperryville to reinforce the warning about safe speeds on the mountain, Hatter said.
He added that the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles and a coalition of motorcycle safety groups have also been involved in efforts to educate the public, particularly motorcyclists, about the dangers of this section of road.
The 35-mph zone is a last-ditch effort to reduce motorcycle accidents, injuries and fatalities.
Sheriff's deputies and state troopers will continue to work the area and enforce the new speed limit.
Donnie Johnston:
Email: djohnston@freelancestar.com