Bumps are Old School

A recent nationwide survey shows traffic engineers rank driver-feedback signs as the fastest, longest-lasting way to slow speeding traffic on residential streets and around school zones. In addition, manufacturers have stated that use of radar speed signs increased dramatically in 2006, reflecting the growing popularity of new traffic-calming technologies among city planners and traffic engineers.


According to IDC (Information Display Company,) a nationwide distributor of traffic-calming solutions, sales of its radar speed signs increased by more than 50 percent in 2006 over the previous year. In addition, a growing number of these signs are being permanently mounted to fixed posts rather than temporarily installed.“It appears that the word has spread among city planners and engineers that the speed bump may be a thing of the past,” said Gary O’Dell, president of IDC.“We are finding a growing number of safety professionals looking for ways to slow speeders without increasing noise levels, impairing emergency vehicles, or causing other disruptive side effects often found with low-tech alternatives.”


In a 2006 national survey of police officers, traffic engineers, and safety professionals, driver feedback signs were identified as the most effective means of slowing traffic in neighborhoods and around schools and playgrounds. Ninety-seven percent of respondents agreed that driver feedback signs are effective at reducing traffic speeds as compared to less than 39 percent that believed speed bumps were effective.


“Unlike speed bumps or crosswalks, radar speed signs redirect the driver’s attention to his or her own speed,” said O’Dell. “This has a direct effect on driving behavior since most speeders are simply unaware of their actual rate of speed.”


The technology’s recent move from trial to mainstream industry adoption reflects other advantages that this type of sign can offer. For instance, the equipment is able to collect traffic data and can be programmed to turn on or off at various times of day. Unlike speed bumps, rumble strips, or most other old-tech solutions, radar speed signs can also be moved from location to location.


“Mobility has been a particularly attractive advantage for budget-strapped cities and school districts that have several locations requiring enforcement,” said O’Dell. “This economic advantage is certainly one of the reasons why this new technology has emerged from its initial trial period to what is now broad industry acceptance.”



For more information on radar speed signs, the 2006 traffic-calming survey or other related topics including traffic-calming studies and government grants, visit www.stopspeeders.org or www.informationdisplay.com.

Featured

  • New Kent State Academic Building Earns LEED Silver Certification

    Kent State University in Kent, Ohio, recently announced that its newest academic building, Crawford Hall, has earned a LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, according to a news release. The facility was recognized for its innovative design, water conservation technologies, energy-efficient systems, and sustainable construction materials, among other features.

  • cutaway view of a modern school building, showing various rooms and zones

    Layering AI into HVAC Systems Shows Reduction in Carbon Emissions

    Heating and cooling systems are just one of the many new ways that AI can be integrated into schools. According to a new study from Schneider Electric's Sustainability Research Institute, AI-powered HVAC systems in schools can lead to significant carbon emissions savings.

  • Kraus-Anderson Continues Work in Minnesota School District

    Maple River Schools in Mapleton, Minn., recently began construction on another project included in a district long-range facilities plan. Construction management firm Kraus-Anderson recently began work on two new classrooms and an outdoor track and field facility, according to a news release.

  • K12 Tutoring Earns Every Student Succeeds Act Level II Validation

    Personalized online tutoring service K12 Tutoring recently announced that it has received Level II validation underneath the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), according to a news release. The independently validated study provides evidence of K12 Tutoring’s role in creating positive student outcomes through effective academic intervention and research-based solutions.

Digital Edition