VIRGINIA BEACH -- City traffic engineers are taking a fresh look at pedestrian safety on Shore Drive, two weeks after Norfolk school teacher Whitney Hulce died crossing the road.
They are studying dynamics of the 10 deaths on the road in the past eight years and meeting with civic groups for suggestions on safety enhancements.
"We're going to take all that information and see what can be done, what can be implemented to make things safer," city engineer Robert Gey said.
The renewed focus comes after family and friends of Hulce and Dobbie Jones, another recent Shore Drive victim, began pushing for safety upgrades in the past two weeks.
A Facebook page started by a bar owner dedicated to Shore Drive safety now has more than 2,700 supporters.
"Hopefully another life will be saved," said Erin Tonelson, who says she's committed to seeing pedestrian improvements actually happen.
"I will never forget about it, I will never forget Dobbie, Whitney. I will never forget the other people who died because they have impacted my life," she said.
Gey said the city implemented 90 percent of recommendations from a 2006 Shore Drive task force, including upgraded crosswalks, flashing pedestrian signs and countdown clocks on crossing signs.
Tonelson said it has not been enough.
"We're looking for adequate lighting, a crosswalk," Tonelson said at the spot where both Hulce and Jones died. "I'll come out here and paint a crosswalk if need be."
