GeorgiaTrafficLawyer’s Weblog

You, like thousands of other metro Atlanta residents, are outraged. Speeding drivers cut through your neighborhood, ruining the tranquility of your community and threatening the safety of anyone on foot. Many drivers lack awareness of the deadly impact that driving five or ten mph over the limit can have on the people outside their vehicles. What can you do? PEDS, metro Atlanta’s pedestrian advocacy organization, has some answers.

1. Document the problem. Buy a radar gun, stand at the side of your neighborhood street and record drivers’ speeds. This provides powerful evidence to the police when you make your case for enforcement. Your mere presence, with the radar gun, will slow down many drivers. The Bushnell Speedster sells for about $70. Believe it or not, Hot Wheels (toy car maker) sells a weaker one for just $20. This is a great activity to engage your kids in community activism.
2. Set the pace. When you drive through your neighborhood, stay at or below the speed limit. Ignore drivers who tailgate or honk. Set a safe pace and encourage your neighbors to do the same. PEDS can even send you free “Neighborhood Pace Car” stickers.
3. Narrow the street. People drive faster on wide open roads, and they slow down on skinny streets. By parking your car next to the curb, you’ll discourage speeding.. If allowed, park in the street and get your neighbors to do the same.
4. Post a yard sign. Over 3,500 metro Atlanta residents have posted yellow “SLOW DOWN!” yard signs to deter neighborhood speeding. The reminder works. The signs measure 20” x 14” and are highly visible. Contact PEDS if you’re interested in getting yard signs to deter speeding.
5. Request traffic calming. Changing the geometry of your street can bring permanent change. Speed humps, traffic islands, bulb-outs, bike lanes, and chicanes are all great tools for calming traffic. Call your Public Works Department to find out what options are available in your community. In several cities, residents can initiate traffic calming requests through PEDS’ Take Action web page.
6. Request traffic enforcement. Ask your local police to ticket neighborhood speeders.
7. Request a speed trailer. Many police departments can lend portable trailers, which show the approaching driver’s speed. The trailers display – for all to see – a speeding driver’s violation while reminding them to obey the limit. Some units keep an electronic log of the traffic count and speeds detected.
8. Demand proven technology. Nothing deters speeding like a ticket. Speed camera enforcement has been proven effective across Europe and in many US cities. But speed cameras are not yet approved in Georgia, and are generally opposed by legislators outside of metro Atlanta. Contact your legislators and assure their support for allowing speed camera enforcement in Georgia.

Neighborhood speeders do more than ruin the peace; they threaten your safety. Remember, a little more speed, makes a big difference in pedestrian crashes. Hit at 30 mph, a person has around an 80% chance of living. Hit at 40 mph, a pedestrian has an 85% chance of dying. Take action today to reduce speeding in your community.

From Dawson County News, PEDS – Pedestrians Educating Drivers On Safety.

Speeding ticket in Dawson County GA?