FEEDBACK (SPEED) MONITORS & RADAR SIGNS GOAL

To bring to the driver’s attention the speed they are driving comparative to the posted speed limit along the road.

WHAT IS IT?

Speed monitors are useful in areas where it is important to direct a driver’s attention to the speed they are driving. These are more likely to be found near schools where drivers should be more cautious of children and teenagers crossing the street. Other areas might include construction sites and zones, college campuses, and busy residential roads. Some speed monitors are solar powered which means less electrical use.

One benefit of them is that they can be used in place of speed bump and humps as a traffic calming measure. This is beneficial because snowplows and emergency services don’t have to look out for a physical obstacle. However, while speed monitors are a proven method for slowing traffic speeds, they might not always have the desired speed reduction that a physical traffic calming measure would result in.

Potential Conflicts

There are not many, if any, problems associated with this strategy. Speed monitors usually are not mobile, which makes installation of them permanent in an area. Studies have show that slowing traffic down with reduce the chances of a fatal accident from occurring. Radar signs/speed monitors are a proven traffic calming measure which raises awareness of the speed a driver is going. Studies have repeatedly shown that when a radar sign is present, speeders will slow down up to 80% of the time. Typical average speed reductions are seen from anywhere to 10-20%, and compliance with the posted speed limit will increase anywhere from 30-60%. To learn more, click here.

Cost

Low-cost

Cost between $2,500-$7,000 depending on the type/style. On average for roadside installation, each monitor costs between $2,500-$3,500.