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RESIDENTIAL
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One of the most common complaints received involves speeding in residential areas. In an effort to address this problem we are approaching it from several avenues.
We are attempting to educate drivers to the problem. Teenagers are generally thought to be the main culprit. Contrary to popular belief, most traffic violations in subdivisions are committed by the adult residents of that community. Teens tend to draw more attention to themselves because their vehicles or their music tends to be louder and the violation tends to be more flagrant. Most of us don't get behind the wheel with the intention of speeding. Unfortunately with todays fast pace life style we are often preoccupied with other matters and speed without realizing it. To increase awareness of the situation and hopefully bring about voluntary compliance we have printed signs warning of the possible consequences of speeding. These have been distributed to residents who have voluntarily placed them in their yards. We ask that neighbors coordinate with each other and alternate when they display their signs. People have a tendency to become accustomed to their surrounding and ignore things they routinely see. By alternating the display of the signs hopefully drivers will be more alert to their driving and obey the speed limit.
The second portion of the educational process is the use of a RADAR speed display trailer. This is a self contained RADAR unit with a speed limit sign and a large LED display which alerts drivers to their speed. As the driver approaches the trailer, their speed is displayed. When the driver is at or below the posted limit the display is steady. If the driver is exceeding the posted limit the LED display flashes the speed. The unit also has an onboard data capture card, which allows us to download the data. This data shows us the number of vehicles clocked, their speed and the time of day the vehicles were clocked. From this data we can determine the time of day most violations are occurring, as well as average and 85 percentile speeds.
The third portion is higher visibility in the problem areas. In addition to the data captured from the RADAR trailer we also use physical traffic survey equipment which provides us with a multitude of data such as speed, vehicle count, vehicle direction, vehicle classification, car, truck, large trucks, motorcycles, vehicles with trailers etc. All of this is used to formulate a plan and prioritize our efforts to best use the resources available.
We are increasing enforcement. In addition to encouraging voluntary compliance, we are increasing our enforcement activities in the residential areas where we see the most flagrant and highest volume of violations. We will be using marked and unmarked vehicles for increased enforcement in these neighborhoods. In addition to the regular units as of June 2008 we now have a motorcycle unit operational. Using the motorcycles have been very beneficial in our enforcement efforts.
If you or your neighborhood are interested in assisting with these efforts, or if you would like a sign for your yard, or the RADAR trailer please contact us. The Chief or a staff member will be glad to meet with you and discuss your concerns and options. You may call (205) 661 4000 or email Chief Don Sivley with you request or concern.
