Reader-submitted content. The following was written and submitted by CJS. The grass in medium has been since this piece was submitted, however, we feel the writer still makes valid points about keeping the visibility up on Rt. 13.
On Monday afternoon, I was about to cross the highway on Arlington Road near the Citgo Gas Station after retrieving a package from the local post office. Due to an assault, I survived a few years ago in which I was beaten unconscious by two men resulting in bruised ribs, loss of consciousness, a black eye, and other horrifying injurie I won’t share, coupled with related ongoing health challenges including degenerative disc disease, a bulging disc that will likely require surgery soon, and migraines related to a traumatic brain injury (TBI), I try to limit these trips. Life is difficult enough as it is, but I did not anticipate that the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) would add insult to injury.
For weeks, my relatives, neighbors, and I have complained about the overgrown grass along the highway that obstructs drivers’ views of oncoming southbound and northbound traffic. According to Chris Isdell’s secretary, VDOT is only required to cut this grass three times each summer. However, this limited maintenance has proven insufficient for ensuring safe visibility. A call to the Northampton County Administration Office resulted in the information that a meeting was called last week about this issue, though the grass remains tall due to frequent rain and hot weather.
On Monday, after nearly being involved in a fatal car accident I couldn’t see a black Jeep speeding toward the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT) due to the overgrown grass that was at least 3 feet high. The Jeep, with a New Jersey plate, came to my attention after a false start in which I didn’t even cross the highway, avoiding what could have been my imminent death via t-bone strike. However, the panic and confusion from the near-miss led to a rear-end collision that I didn’t even realize had occurred until later. My latest blood pressure reading as of last night was 129 bpm, a significant increase from my usual 100 bpm. The stress and fear from this incident have left me a nervous wreck. I saw my life flash before my eyes, all because I needed to pick up a toothbrush from Amazon at the post office. Was it worth it?
When you’ve experienced a life-threatening car accident once, any subsequent incidents can trigger severe PTSD reactions, often leading to an overwhelming need to escape to a safe zone. Unfortunately, with PTSD, the only truly safe zone might be your own home—not the side of a busy highway where state troopers only add to the fear. As someone who has been criminalized for my mental health issues stemming from a TBI and PTSD, I urge Northampton County to take immediate action and cut down this grass to avoid further issues for some of its own citizens who have lived here since age 5.
A simple errand, which involved nothing more than crossing the highway, turned into a near-fatal accident because I could not properly see oncoming traffic, particularly in my small 2013 Ford Cmax. While I am thankful to be alive, the consequences of my reaction to this incident—including not stopping immediately after nearly dying—have resulted in jail time. I praise God for the reality that no one was hurt, no drugs or alcohol were involved and no vehicles are severely damaged. Unfortunately, those chain emails warning that tailgating cars with flashing lights could be gangs trying to harm you backfired in my case. This entire ordeal could have been avoided if our roadways were maintained to have safe visibility. There is no light at this intersection despite multiple deaths/severe injuries occurring in this one location. It is not safe to fully cross the road in the Summer when traffic is barreling down the road and both sides are not fully visible to the drivers hoping to cross. I beg Northampton County and VDOT to address this issue before someone else’s life is put at risk. The safety of our community depends on it.
We understand the issue with the delay in mowing the road sides. But to hear about all of her health issues isn’t necessary.
It may be essential to highlight the ripple effect on an individual’s life due to the state’s failure to maintain the roadways and protect the general public. For someone already facing significant challenges, these issues have only worsened for entirely preventable reasons, which are the responsibility of VDOT. Sharing more information can humanize an otherwise lackluster announcement. Complaining of tall grass sounds trivial, but in the context of protecting human life, its not and especially when so many people at any given moment are fighting battles the casual observer may not realize.
VDOT is usually quite far behind the curve on road maintenance this time of year. A lot going on I suppose.
The good news is that they will be out Weirdly cutting the grass in December and January as they often do, leaving me no option other than leaving a snarky post in the Mirror.
I agree with the tall grass at cut thru’s on RT 13 in Northampton and Accomack counties. VDOT contracts out this service and the contractor is always behind schedule when performing the task. Hence the previous remark that they will still be cutting in Dec. & Jan. There are many issues; folks that drive cars can’t see over the grass at on coming traffic and when the fellows with the bush hogs do show up they throw grass on the roads. There is a law against this because it puts motorcyclists in danger, it is like driving your motorcycle on ice. It seams VDOT, the VA State Police and the Counties Sheriff’s department don’t care. Virginia could learn lessons from other states and foreign countries and plant wildflowers at the cut thru’s that only grow 18″ tall. Unless you drive a 4×4 truck or big SUV you gamble with your life crossing RT 13.
Well, at least now the traffic is subsiding a bit on 13.
Nice. (I take 600)
Never complain about the price of gas because fewer knuckleheads are on the road.
As far as the tall grass goes, always take more time and be Alert.
Just another tricky drive with weather, other drivers texting/drunk/dimwitted/distracted/ plus deer, knuckelheads and deep grass.
It’s always something
VDOT can’t cut that grass but they sure cut a path to the shortstop just north of their facility in Accomac.