SALISBURY, Md. - The Maryland State Highway Administration has dropped the speed limit from 50 mph to 40 mph along Mount Hermon Road for about two miles approaching the intersection with Walston Switch Road.
Back in March, a woman died at that intersection following a car accident, renewing calls for change from neighbors.
Wicomico County Councilman Joe Holloway said speeding has been an issue at the intersection over the years.
"You know, it's not the people's fault on Mount Hermon Road necessarily where the speed limit is trying to be lowered. It's somebody, you know, ignoring the stop sign or missing the stop sign, so at least the reaction time at 40 mph will be a little better," said Holloway.
SHA spokesman Bob Rager said the posted speed limit was reduced to 40 mph after a speed study in the area.
Rager added those studies take many factors into account and there have to be "sound engineering and safety principles behind all decisions."
After that deadly accident in March, neighbors started signing a petition calling on SHA to make long-term improvements at the intersection like adding a four-way traffic light or roundabout. That petition has collected more than 2,300 signatures.
"I think a traffic light would be the next step," said driver Anna Espejo.
However, Espejo questions just how effective the speed limit reduction will be, and she said drivers must do their part to keep each other safe.
"People are flying and they will be flying without paying attention. What will help is respecting each other," said Espejo.
Rager said SHA will continue to evaluate this stretch of Mount Hermon Road for possible long-term improvements.
