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THE IMPORTANCE OF SPEED FEEDBACK SIGNS FOR DRIVER’S AWARENESS AND SAFETY
Driver feedback signs are frequently
used worldwide to improve drivers’ speed compliance and make the streets safe.
While speed is a subjective term as a vehicle even when following the legal
speed limits may be inappropriate depending upon road conditions. A speed feedback sign in an urban
environment can reduce the speed
at crucial places like schools, residential areas, playgrounds,
hospitals, etc. While there are a variety of signages, electronic signs, and
enforcements in place to deter speeding drivers, addressing speeding in a
long-lasting manner is a challenge for any transportation professional.
Reasons for Speed Signs
The use of speed feedback sign technology at
the most basic level alerts the driver of their oncoming speed. These driver feedback
signs use radar to ascertain the speed of the vehicle and provide
suitable information to the driver through LED signs. These signs use various
colors and blinking or moving text formats to gain the driver’s attention that
helps them adjust their speed accordingly. This helps the drivers in an area to
comply with the set regulations and help create safer road conditions for all road
users.
Research findings
Driver feedback signs and boards
have been in use for many decades now. Novel technology has lately strengthened
the speed feedback sign with better accuracy and performance under
any weather conditions. The increased usage of these devices has also got
researchers working to find relations between these display boards’ impact on
driver behavior. Although experts across the board agree that law enforcement
is the most effective speeding deterrent, costs and workforce limitations make
it difficult. Statistics show that the sustained use of these signboards
significantly reduces average speeds by around 14 kmph.
Law enforcement with speed feedback sign technology is
the best option for significant speed reductions in the short term. The usage
of driver feedback signs at different locations where
speeding was prevalent earlier has shown speed reductions from 4.8 to 16.1
kmph. This significantly reduces the effect of damage in the case of an
accident. This reduced speed could mean the difference between the life and
death of a pedestrian if involved in the accident and the severity of the
injuries. Studies have shown that the fatality percentage drops from 94 to 40
percent with a reduction of speed of only 20 kmph.
A major finding from the research was
the qualitative sentiment generated in the community through the use of driver feedback
signs to bring traffic safety. The community realizes that the
occasional speed demon will be found even with the implementation of the
best speed feedback sign technology. But they also understand that the
overall goal of improving liveability increases. This helps the neighborhood
include education, outreach and develop mutually acceptable solutions through
consensus. The community thus works along with law enforcement that brings
benefits all around.
Sign placement
The driver feedback
signs use a variety of radar-based signages to alert the drivers of
their speed. Most modern speed feedback signs show the road’s
permissible speed limit along with a flashing and bright light to show ‘Your
speed’ under it. These signs are almost impossible to overlook, and most
drivers respond immediately and slow down. Many times, these speed signs also
have a law enforcement officer nearby to enforce the speed limits. Thus, it is
wise for drivers to adjust their driving behavior to avoid any further problems
immediately.
Such a speed feedback sign aims to calm
down the flow of traffic to a safe speed. It serves as effectively as a speed
bump on the road which is a physical device to bring down the speed. The major
benefit of using driver feedback signs is to play an advisory role for
drivers exceeding speeds. Over time, this changes the driving behavior of the
population instead of a more forceful way to reduce speed with a speed bump.
Technology has also made it possible to detect speeds up to a range of 1,200
feet with accuracy.
A speed feedback sign or driver feedback
signs are generally placed near schools, residential areas, hospitals,
construction zones, etc. These signs provide a temporary way to control traffic
in an area. They are easy to install on poles or trailers and provide
connectivity to a central command center through mobile or wifi access. Their
easy portability also ensures that they can be moved to a location where most
needed quickly. The messages that they display can also be changed that helps
to provide relevant messages to the drivers.
Driver reactions
Any driver who sees these driver feedback
signs or the speed feedback sign tends to slow
down even when they are under the speed limit. This is an automatic response as
the mind becomes alert that causes the body to respond by becoming aware of
their surrounding. Driving instincts also come into play when drivers see a
policeman on the road. Studies have shown that when these signs are combined
with law enforcement personnel on the ground. The signs become much more
effective in controlling speeds. Data captured through these signs can also be
used in the legal system while providing instant feedback to the driver.
The dangers
While research proves that the use
of driver feedback signs or the speed feedback
sign positively affects driving speeds. It helps drivers react as
per their speed and change to a more suitable one almost immediately. However,
a preoccupied driver’s attention is hard to catch. Such preoccupation could be
busy on a phone call, applying makeup while driving, or even simply fiddling
with the radio. Such activities can make an inattentive driver lose track of
their speed and cause accidents.
Sum Up
Driver feedback signs and speed feedback signs have proven their
traffic calming effectiveness over the years. These radar-based signs interact
with the driver’s attention while helping them adjust their speeds as per legal
and permissible limits. This technology can be a deterrent or an authoritative
reminder for the driver to keep the roads safe. Portable radar signs are at
present less effective in areas that have a wide range of multiple vehicles
that are moving at different speeds. But technology will soon find a way to
tackle it.
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