Safety Matters: Speed Display Signs for Speed Management in Urban Communities

Across the country, speeding remains a problem on every type of roadway and in every type of community. Speed-related crashes often result in serious injuries or fatalities. In 2020, to address speed-related crashes on Connecticut’s rural roads, the T2 Center’s Safety Circuit Rider program in coordination with the CT Department of Transportation launched a Rural Speed Display Sign Program. The program provided two signs, along with training on their use and benefit, to Connecticut towns with rural roads. Additionally, speed management training was offered throughout the program years to provide a broader speed management strategy.

Based on the success of the rural program, the CTDOT and the T2 Center are pleased to announce an Urban Speed Display Sign Program, which will commence on September 1, 2022. This will be a year-long program providing two free signs to those municipalities that were not eligible under the rural program. Training on the signs, the data they collect and related speed management classes with be offered as well.

Speed display signs are recognized by the Federal Highway Administration as an effective countermeasure to address speeding. They have been shown to reduce speeds by up to 5 mph and can be utilized in conjunction with other speed management tools to further reduce speeding. For more information, click her

These signs help remind the driving public of the posted speed limit and how fast they are driving in relation to that speed limit. They can be an important educational tool in getting the public to slow down on roads where speed can often end in a crash. Since the signs also collect data, municipalities can identify problem areas and the most effective times of day for speed enforcement.

There has been much positive response to the rural program, and data analysis has shown an average reduction in 85^th percentile speed of 3-5 mph, which is consistent with the FHWA’s findings. One of the towns commented, “These signs have put many of our concerned citizens at ease,” and another said, “These signs have been getting a ton of positive feedback from our residents!”

Scheduling of delivery for the urban program will begin shortly, so be on the lookout for an email from me with additional information on how to receive your signs. I look forward to meeting with you soon as we work to manage speeds on our CT roadways!

For more information and assistance with local road safety in your community, contact Melissa Evans, Safety Circuit Rider, at melissa.evans@uconn.edu.

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