Agenda - Council - 01/14/2025 - Laserfiche WebLink

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M O WILL LOWERING THE SPEED LIMIT REDUCE SPEEDS? 4P . _ . •• • •_ _ _ Studies shows that in most cases lowering the _ , , • . •__• _ •,• speed limit alone,without other roadway changes or increased enforcement, has little effect on driver • behavior. Drivers travel at speeds they feel are reasonable for the road and traffic regardless of the posted speed limit. ISN'T A SLOWER SPEED LIMIT ALWAYS SAFER? • A traffic investigation evaluates: Vehicles moving slower together are safer, however, • Driver behavior • Roadway information drivers chose their speed based on changes to • Crashes • Roadside land use the roadway, surrounding land use, and driving conditions. Changing the speed limit without F The resulting recommended speed limit is posted changes to the roadway or its environment could g Y on signs along the roadway to inform drivers of increase the difference in speed between the the speed limit. fastest and slowest drivers,which increases the risk of crashes and driver frustration. • WHY SHOULD I CARE ABOUT - • - - - - - CREDIBLE SPEED LIMITS? Credible speed limits minimize speed differentials by providing safe consistent and reasonable speeds to protect drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists along the roadway. Lowering speed limits unreasonably can make violators out of sensible and otherwise law-abiding citizens, creating a difficult situation for police and the community. When speed limits are difficult to enforce, drivers are left to regulate their own speeds rather than " 4padhering to the posted speed.With credible speed 1P 4Plimits, drivers are encouraged to travel at a speed " that is safe and reasonable based on the roadway - - • • . - . •--• - -- - -. • 41 - design and surrounding land use. SPLED ` 1 LIMIT • • - • •--• - - - • 30 _ r