Any sort of roadway collision is just as traumatic, as almost being in one. “Almost-accidents” go unreported, and since the pandemic, these incidents have increased dramatically. Pedestrian fatalities in Northern Virginia increased 21% from 2019 to 2020, according to a report from the Governor’s Highway Safety Association. 

The Chinquapin Circle is known for its highly congested after-school traffic. Every day around 3:15 p.m., flocks of cars patiently wait in line to leave the school. The average wait time can be anywhere from fifteen to thirty minutes, regardless of the day. Students, teachers, and the public alike have to endure the traffic jam until the traffic light, granted there is no one crossing the road, permits them to exit the facility. As the highly competitive gubernatorial race enters the final stretch, with recent polling showing a high number of undecided voters, this is truly a race where every vote matters. Republican Glenn Youngkin and Democrat former Virginia governor Terry McAuliffe took to Twitter to woo some of those voters by proposing their ideas to ease the congestion in the Chinquapin Circle.