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Bus driver urges traffic study after near‑misses; VDOT to evaluate signage
Summary
A Nottoway County school bus driver described repeated near‑misses on a curving route and asked the board to request a VDOT traffic study and targeted time-of-day counts; VDOT said it will include bus stop frequency in counts and recommended radar‑feedback signs, noting legal limits on enforcement cameras in right‑of‑way.
During delegations on Dec. 19, school bus driver Ricky Rasch (S10) told the board he’s been “scared” while driving a morning route on Rocky Ford/Chute Road, describing cars passing stopped buses in curves and limited sight lines. Rasch said the area has two bus routes that use the same road roughly an hour apart and that drivers are not responding to static school signs.
“Cars turning to go into the other lane to avoid contact with the bus…there are children in there,” Rasch said, urging a traffic study during the 15‑ to 30‑minute peak windows in mornings and afternoons and suggesting time‑limited reduced speed signage during school hours. Chair Bowen (S2) acknowledged the request and called for VDOT input.
VDOT representative Aaron French (S11) told the board the Shoe Road speed study is in progress and that traffic engineers will take counts aimed at capturing peak volumes and the 85th‑percentile speed. He said radar‑feedback signs and advisory messaging have worked elsewhere but cautioned that enforcement cameras are not permitted in the state right‑of‑way by current Virginia law; non‑photo radar feedback signs avoid due‑process concerns.
VDOT committed to incorporate school bus stop frequency into counts and to explore additional signage options such as flashing lights or time‑specific reduced speed signs. Board members asked staff to coordinate with deputies and county staff about short‑term mitigation while the study proceeds.
The board did not take a formal vote on this item but directed staff to follow up with VDOT and the county’s public‑safety partners.
