Table of Contents:
Section 1 – The State of Speeding in the United States
Section 2 – Drivers’ Impressions of Speeding
Section 3 – Building an Effective Speed Reduction Plan
3a – Collecting Your Data
State of Speeding Report - USA PDF Download
Section 1: The State of Speeding in the United States
Nationwide Data: The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) 2021 report shows road fatalities at their highest level in 16 years.
An estimated 42,915 people died in motor accidents in 2021, the highest number since 2005.
This represents a 10.5% increase from the 38,824 fatalities in 2020.
2021 saw an increase in almost all sub-categories of traffic data from 2020:
• Fatalities in speeding-related crashes were up 5%.
• Fatalities on urban roads were up 16%.
• Bicyclist fatalities were up 5%.
• Pedestrian fatalities were up 13%.
The report also provides the comparison of regional estimates in 2021 compared to reported 2020 counts. All 10 NHTSA regions experienced fatality increases.
Percentage Increase in Estimated Fatalities in the First Half of 2021 From Estimated Fatalities in the Same Half of 2020, by NHTSA Region
Section 2: Drivers’ Impressions of Speeding
Survey Data: What do people in North America think about speeding in their neighborhoods?
• 78% of respondents think that speed limits in their neighborhood are not always observed by drivers.
• 58% of respondents say they don’t observe posted speed limits while driving.
• When asked about methods to slow speeders down, speed bumps, digital speed feedback signs, and speed cameras are the measures considered effective by most respondents.
Section 3: Building an Effective Speed Reduction Plan:
3a - Collecting Your Data:
Can you identify if, where, and when speeding is happening?
There’s a simple way to keep track. Speed Tracker is a small, wireless data collector that gives you detailed stats on driver behavior and speeds that you can access online via SafePace Cloud.
If speeding is determined to be a problem on your streets, there are many ways to elicit change in driver behavior. At Traffic Logix, we provide a variety of solution packages to meet your multifaceted traffic calming challenges and concerns.
3b - Single-Layer Solutions:
Awareness
Awareness is a powerful thing. Simply reminding drivers when they’re speeding has been shown to change the way they drive, even miles down the road.
Since all of our radar speed signs gather data, let’s take a look at how effective the single-layered awareness solution is and if more powerful and versatile solutions could suit your traffic calming needs better.
3c - Does Just One Layer Work?
In 2021, over 5,000 more radar speed signs were installed on local streets across United States.
What difference did we make nationwide 2021 vs. 2020?
With more Traffic Logix radar speed signs installed, speeding problems on local streets have been mitigated.
But are radar signs always enough?
Increase or Reduction in Speeders over 60 mph by State from 2020 to 2021
While radar signs are often an effective way to slow speeders, there are many instances when they aren’t sufficient in protecting local streets. If not installed correctly or when used to address speeding problems that require a more multifaceted approach, they may not be sufficient to reduce top speeds.
Adding enforcement and/or physical traffic calming elements can create far better protection against speeding, crashes, and life threatening injuries on your roads.
3d - Two- and Three-Layer Solutions
Two-Layered Solution:
Awareness + Enforcement or
Awareness + Physical Traffic Calming
Awareness + Physical Traffic Calming
Speed cameras discreetly capture images from multiple lanes with pinpoint accuracy. When used with speed awareness signs, this solution package adds the element of warnings that can be issued by police or private communities as well as the ability to further target enforcement.
• One community saw a 91% reduction in speeders just 8 weeks after installing speed cameras.
• In another, maximum speeds were reduced by 10 mph while violations went down by 73%.
Physical traffic calming devices installed on your roadways leave speeders no choice but to slow down. With radar speed signs, you also get valuable traffic data and the added visual reminder to drivers to slow down.
• Speed humps were found to have a 53%-60% reduction in the odds of injury or death among children struck by vehicles. (American Journal of Public Health)
• 85th percentile speed was reduced by an average of 18% with speed humps, 19% with speed cushions, and 18% with speed tables. (FHWA study on speed reduction)
Three-Layered Solution:
Awareness + Enforcement + Physical Traffic Calming
This trailblazing three-layered package combines radar sign and camera technology with recyclable physical traffic calming, compelling drivers to slow down and pay more attention to posted speed limits, while warning drivers who refuse to comply.