speeding
We have all been complaining about the speed some cars travel in our community. So, I think we all agree speeding is a problem in our community. However, this seems like a problem too large for any one individual to fix.
Let’s look at the problem and break it down into what cannot be done, what can be done and what can you do to help.
My name is Pat Shea. I started Cabernet Neighborhood Watch group almost 2 years ago with the intention of promoting safety in our community. www.cabernetwatch.org
I have studied this problem for the past year with the help of Reno PD and City of Reno Traffic Engineering. They responded to our request for speed/traffic calming controls by completing a series of traffic studies during Winter and Spring 2022/23. I then met with the City of Reno Traffic Engineer. He pointed out things we may not do to calm traffic.
Our streets belong to the City of Reno. The 3 major streets have been designated as emergency routes for fire, medical and disaster evacuation. Therefore, no devices that create an obstruction may be used to calm traffic. The following are restricted by City policy.
· Speed Bumps
· Speed Humps
· Speed Table
· Speed Cushions
· Rumble strips
This leaves us one option open to our neighborhood, Speed Warning Signs. These signs are a proven way to slow traffic. The Radar speed Sign manufacturer website has this to say about how the signs work
How Feedback Signs Work
“Radar speed signs operate on the principle of Feedback Loops, a concept that has proven effective in influencing behavioral changes. This approach involves providing individuals with real-time information about their actions and giving them an opportunity to modify those actions, thereby encouraging improved behaviors.”
You can read the entire article here
Speed Feedback signs work on two levels to address two types of speeding drivers.
First the signs address the distracted driver that is running late, thinking of something other than their primary task of driving or non-resident driver just passing through our community by helping to complete the feedback loop. This is 99.5 of all drivers.
Second, some drivers just don’t care about others in the community. Feedback doesn’t work on them. They are 0.5% of the drivers.
The signage we are proposing records traffic data All day, Every day. This data about speeder is collected and uploaded to Reno PD Traffic division. The patterns recorded and analyzed assists Reno PD in their assignment of traffic enforcement. Reno Traffic Officers use these pattern to determine the time violators are most likely to be in the neighborhood. This results in more efficient traffic enforcement.
Now, here is what you and I can do.
1. Become a role model Cost = $0.00
a. Begin driving to the Speed Limit. This tends to slow all traffic
2. Report violators Cost =$0.00
a. Fill out a report on Reno Direct/Speeding
b. Include the following items
i. The street (with cross streets) where the speeding is taking place.
ii. Include the approximate times of day it is at its worst.
iii. Note any chronic offenders, specific speeding issues or other helpful information.
c. These reports add to the data collected by the Feedback signs.
3. Help Purchase Speed Feedback signs.
The City of Reno will install and maintain these signs. Your donation of $40.00 would be a one-time cost to purchase these signs. Three signs placed throughout the neighborhood total cost of $13,000.
The first 2 cost nothing and can help immediately to reduce speeding.
The 3rd item I will ask you to please respond to the following question.
Would you be willing to donate to a community fund under the Cabernet Watch to purchase Radar Speed feedback signs?
Yes/No
If your answer is yes, You can help by recording you donation : GoFundMe/Purchase Radar Speed Warning Signs
Join us for our semimonthly meeting for Cabernet Watch Neighborhood Watch to learn more about this and other issues with in our community. And don’t forget to check our website and related posts.
Again, I am Pat Shea,
Coordinator, Cabernet Watch
