5.3. SR 09-05-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The United States Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, has developed a problem-oriented guide for police specifically related to "Speeding in Residential Areas" This guide addresses the problem of speeding in residential areas, often a chief concern of the community and often based on the perceived risk to children. Calls for police service however, often result in our department paying less attention to the speeding issues, and spending more time on issues that are far more serious. Speeding though does create harm, and it is in five basic forms: . It makes citizens fear for children's safety. It makes pedestrians and bicyclists fear for their safety. It increases the risk of vehicle crashes. It increases the risk of serious injuries to those involved in crashes. It increases noise complaints due to engine acceleration and tire friction. . . . . Regardless of these issues, it is important to point out that speed is a factor in only 1/8 of all vehicle crashes. Speeding is more of a quality of life concern, than safety. Yet, it is a concern that is voiced frequently, and one that citizen's demand response to. The guide cites an order of response to speeding concerns. They are listed from proven effectiveness to least effective. We suggest the implementation of effective strategies on the planning end, rather than waiting for problems to occur. Engineering Responses: (Most effective) Traffic calming techniques that make it more difficult to speed. These also make roads easier and safer for pedestrians and bicyclists. They may include: ~ Narrowing the road. ~ Putting bends and curves in the road. ~ Installing speed humps. ~ Adding chicances (traffic deflections that narrow or redirect the road) ~ Marking the road to create the illusion that it is narrowing. ~ Adding pedestrian crosswalks that are raised or made from distinctive materials. ~ Planting trees and foliage along the roadside. ~ Building traffic circles and roundabouts. ~ Building traffic islands. ~ Building gateway entrances. ~ Permitting parking on both sides of the streets. ~ Adding mid-block build-ours. Posting warning signs and signals is the second portion of the engineering phase. Educational Responses: ~ Conducting anti-speeding public awareness campaigns. ~ Informing complainants about actual speeds vs. perceived speeds. ~ Provide realistic driving training courses. (Skid pad training) C:\Documents and Settings\tallard\Local Settings\ Temporary Internet Files\OLKF\Doc4.doc