Rangers push etiquette while driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway

With accidents on the rise and the busiest months of August through October ahead, Blue Ridge Parkway rangers are stressing “parkway etiquette” and reminding drivers to use caution throughout its 469 miles.

And to park their vehicles before enjoying the sensational views.

Many parkway accidents, from witness accounts and driver testimony, involve motorists who have their eyes on the view rather than the road, said Chief Ranger John Garrison.

“The number one thing, particularly with motorcycles, is the drivers are just not paying attention,” he said.

The “etiquette” encourages cyclists and recreational vehicle operators to use overlooks so other drivers can pass. It also includes obeying the usual 45 mph speed limit and watching road signs.

Parkway officials started a campaign in 2002 to curb accidents, Garrison said, after seeing a nearly 50 percent rise during the five years prior to 2001.

Accidents had shown a steady decline since 2001 until last year, when numbers began to rise, he said. Accidents are again on the rise this year.

Within the past two months, there have been two fatal wrecks in the North Carolina portion.

“In both cases, the drivers weren’t paying attention,” Garrison said.

Accidents have not been as bad closer to the Lynchburg area. A stretch covering just more than 100 miles — through Augusta, Nelson, Amherst, Rockingham and Bedford counties — has not been a high-volume accident area, Garrison said.

Bobby Miller, supervisory park ranger for the Peaks of Otter Ranger Office, said this year the office has investigated roughly 20 accidents from Mile Post 54 to Mile Post 106. That area covers Bedford, Amherst and Rockbridge counties.

Deer collisions also increased nearly 60 percent last year throughout the parkway, Garrison said. In recent years, he said, the parkway has averaged about 65 run-ins with deer per year.

Parkway officials are starting to organize its 75th anniversary in 2010.

“I sure would love to give the parkway a birthday gift of no accidents,” Garrison said. “It’s not a bad goal.”