From Complaints to Confidence in Mapleton, UT
Mapleton, UT addresses resident speed complaints and ongoing speed issues with traffic data insights and interactive, mobile radar signs.
The Challenge
Mapleton is a small rural community in Utah, home to approximately 13,000 residents. The inviting community has experienced rapid growth in recent years. With limited local businesses, Mapleton is primarily a bedroom community and residents commute to nearby areas for work. Over the years, the city has faced ongoing traffic complaints, especially concerning speeding.
An aging mobile speed trailer was no longer effective, and after a tragic fatal accident, city officials recognized the urgent need for better traffic monitoring. Residents frequently reported concerns about speeding, prompting the city to investigate further. The city wanted a way to verify or refute resident complaints as well as to address speeding on several roads with demonstrated safety risks caused by frequent speeding.
The Solution
To effectively address the traffic challenges, Mapleton adopted a comprehensive strategy utilizing advanced technology from Traffic Logix:
- Speed Tracker: Mapleton incorporated Speed Tracker technology to collect detailed traffic data on vehicle speeds. By rotating the trackers to areas with reported complaints, they validated resident concerns. In the process, they discovered that most speeding claims were inaccurate and drivers were actually driving safely. The data enabled city officials to focus their efforts where they were truly needed.
- Mobile Speed Trailer: A Traffic Logix mobile speed trailer equipped with a full matrix radar sign is being deployed throughout the community. This trailer can be moved easily The trailer is kept in place for two weeks at a time, during which officers observed significant drops in speeds as vehicles approached the sign.
- Full Matrix Radar Sign: Mounted on the mobile trailer unit, the large 15” radar signs offers optimal flexibility to the Mapleton police department. The sign can display driver speeds as well as any custom messages or graphics that respond to how fast the driver is traveling. The versatile sign is the only of its kind that can display both messaging and driver speed.
- Pole Mounted Radar Signs: The city installed two stationary SafePace Evolution radar signs on major streets with a history of speeding issues. These pole-mounted signs use bright LED displays to provide real-time feedback on vehicle speeds, encouraging drivers to slow down. The compact signs alert drivers to their speeds and remind them to slow down and obey posted speed limits.
The Benefits
Mapleton residents are benefiting from the implementation of the safety tools while the police department is also grateful for the ability to realistically assess, and when needed, address, resident complaints. The city has seen a decrease in speeding incidents in areas where the mobile trailer and radar signs have been deployed. Residents expressed appreciation for the presence of the radar signs, noting that they contribute to a safer environment.
Lieutenant Bringhurst highlighted the effectiveness of the solutions, stating, “I installed one [sign] and watched as speeds dropped when cars approached it. It worked really well. I was a little bit surprised, actually.”
The city has enjoyed a positive partnership with Traffic Logix, praising their responsiveness, product quality, and friendly staff.
