Saddle Brooke Two HOA Reduces Distraction & Improves Elderly Driving.
The Challenge
With over 50 miles of private roads, most of which have speed limits of 25 mph to protect resident safety, speeding was a key concern. Both security professionals at the HOA and residents witnessed cars driving at unsafe speeds, particularly in several high risk areas. Like drivers everywhere, many were distracted and not focused on their driving. In addition, some of the more elderly residents were not aware enough of their speeds and not driving safely.
SaddleBrooke Two wanted a way to ensure that drivers would travel at safer speeds to protect pedestrians, other drivers, and the beautiful properties and amenities. They also needed a way to ensure that anecdotal accounts of speeding were actually accurate in order to pinpoint where intervention was needed the most.
The Solution
The private community chose Traffic Logix SpeedTrackers and driver feedback signs to transform the safety landscape of the HOAs streets.
SpeedTrackers are discreet, affordable devices that track traffic speeds and data to evaluate the need for further intervention. The portable data trackers offer robust traffic analysis and remote access to data from any web connected device.
SaddleBrooke Two chose 14 locations to monitor using the SpeedTrackers, using the collection device for two weeks at each location to identify if, when, and where speeding was happening. The data they culled from the trackers helped them assess the accuracy of anecdotal reports and pinpoint where intervention was most needed.
Once speed issues were assessed, the HOA installed four SafePace Evolution 11 signs to slow speeders down. They are currently installing a fifth sign and plan to purchase an additional two in the next year. The compact, portable driver feedback signs display driver speed in bright LED digits. They are mounted adjacent to speed limit signs to remind drivers of speed laws while alerting them to their own speeds. A speed violator strobe flashes to alert motorists who exceed tolerated speed set by the HOA.
The feedback signs operate based on the feedback loop theory. When individuals are reminded of expected behavior, without penalty or judgement, they almost always comply and follow the expected behavior. And at SaddleBrooke Two, that’s just what residents have been doing.
Drivers have been slowing down and focusing more on their driving instead of being distracted. The signs have been installed in what the HOA terms “safety corridors,” areas where speeding is often prevalent. And they’ve been making quite an impact on the community’s safety.
The Benefits
“We’ve used other radar signs in the past,” commented Dale Tate, the Patrol Captain at Saddle Brooke Two HOA. “But we had to go down to the signs and manually collect the data by connecting via Bluetooth. Besides being time-consuming, it was a dangerous endeavor since the signs are mounted right near the road and drivers pass right near them.”
The ability to access data remotely with Logix on Cloud has proved a game changer for Saddle Brooke Two.
“It’s incredibly simple and intuitive,” noted Mr. Tate. “We simply login and all our data is right there.”
The data has proved enlightening for the HOA. In one location, around 7% of drivers were speeding, which equaled hundreds of speeding cars on a road that sees thousands of vehicles pass by each day. Once the radar sign was installed, speeding was reduced by nearly 70% to just 2-3% of drivers.
Drivers are more alert and less distracted with the bright, flashing visual reminder to slow down. Local residents have expressed appreciation for the enhanced safety and tranquility that the signs have brought to their roads. And HOA management is thrilled with what a difference the signs have made as well as how simple and intuitive Logix on Cloud is.
“We can break down reports into units that are as granular as we like in order to identify exactly when and where any issues are happening. We especially appreciate the variety of reports and data available. It’s really helping us better assess the safety of our roads and the impact that the signs are making on the lives of our residents.”
