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Safety Toolbox: Engineering


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Radar speed display sign

   

A self-contained changeable message sign, electrically powered, that displays one of three messages:

  • SPEED LIMIT 25
  • YOUR SPEED XX, where XX is the vehicle's actual speed
  • A dynamic display that reads SPEED LIMIT 25 until a vehicle passes at a greater speed, when it displays, YOUR SPEED XX

In this application, the sign is installed on a poll adjacent to a school with a W-65 "SCHOOL" sign above and an R-72 "WHEN CHILDREN ARE PRESENT" below. The additional signs ensure that the installation complies with Caltrans' Installation C Policy (Traffic Manual, Chapter 10, page 10-8).
objective To alert drivers to their speeds. To alert drivers to their speeds.
applications Locations adjacent to schools where speeding is a concern, especially near pick-up and drop-off locations.
target population Motorists
crash type Excessive Speeds
advantages
  • Public response to the signs has been very positive
disadvantages
  • Technology is relatively new and required numerous iterations by operations and maintenance personnel to ensure proper performance
pointers The signs produced a 5-7 mile per hour speed reduction when operating according to a site survey in San Jose.
cost High, approximately $16,000 for a single school application in Salinas
responsibility Public Works Department, Police Department, School District
further reading School Radar Speed Display Sign Effectiveness Report, City of San Jose, October 25, 2001.
examples City of Salinas Public Works Department; City of San Jose Public Works Agency
related tools Speed-Monitoring Trailer, Neighborhood Traffic Watch

Index: alphabetical / cost / crash type / target population

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