Do speeding deterrents work?
01
September
9/1/2009:
Have drivers become numb?
In case you’re stuck in your apartment, or just pay attention to your Facebook updates on your Blackberry or iPhone – there are a couple speeding deterrents uptown (and possibly a few more installed elsewhere that I’m unaware of).
It seems the city is smartening up – and at least trying to combat the irresponsible drivers that abuse the streets of Hoboken. Below are photos of a radar sign installation spotted at 11th and Bloomfield last weekend – as well as a simple warning message board at 15th and Hudson.
Observations:
- It’s my belief that – while lowering the speed of motor vehicles is generally in everyone’s best interest – that the person that typically slows down for a radar sign – is usually responsible and attentive enough to understand the dangers and risks of driving in an urban area – and is least likely to be involved in a MVA.
- Without enforcement of speeding, those that perpetually break the law – will continue to do so. I witnessed many cars completely ignore the radar sign.
- The warning sign – while a positive step – was installed in a particularly odd location. I know the Hudson Tea Building has families and children, but only small percentage of cars coming into Hoboken from the north will see this sign. Two of these units should be installed at the southbound base of both uptown bridges, as well as the Viaduct coming east from Jersey City Heights for maximum impact.
- I’m a bit curious about the “Zero Tolerance” message displayed – does Hoboken have radar units spread throughout the city? I don’t think “speeding tickets” are issued all that often.
Overall, however – I think any attempt at deterring speeding and reckless driving in Hoboken is a positive action. Equally important though, is communicating a similar message to PEDESTRIANS that think they’re invincible and also ignore traffic signals or cross busy roads when they’re not supposed to. Any sensible human being knows the “tale of the tape” when it comes to “two ton vehicle vs. single obnoxious pedestrian.”
The vehicle has an amazing winning percentage.
September 1st 2009 - 17:38:13 |
There has been one at the corner of 1st & Monroe for a few days. This morning it looked like people were speeding up trying to beat their score from yesterday
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September 1st 2009 - 18:39:15 |
no. thats why we have speedometers in our cars. Although its fun to see how fast I’m going.. but again… pointless.
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September 1st 2009 - 19:08:00 |
TOUCHE!!!! Every time i see one of these machines i push the pedal to see how high i cant get it. if anything this machine will cause an accident before it slows anyone down
In response to HomeTeam who said:
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September 1st 2009 - 19:37:40 |
Yes I was one of them.
In response to HomeTeam who said:
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September 1st 2009 - 19:43:12 |
They are as effective as the speed bumps: speed up and enjoy the thrill!
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September 1st 2009 - 22:34:25 |
They are fun too when you are drunk. If you RUN down the middle of the street wavng your arms, it will register your speed.
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September 1st 2009 - 22:50:30 |
I think the responders to hoboken 411 should have a contest with this radar? We all get together this weekend, sort of a flutag redbull thing, we can call it hobotag!! We all make contraptions and we see who can get the fastest speed? I have friends at ABC, NBC and NY POST, they’ll probably give some thought in to covering it. It would put a good spin on Hoboken, make our town look happy and fun for all of 4 minutes to the world!!! Is anyone in with me? C’mon all you guys who were boy scouts, soap box derby 1 more time as old farts!!! I’ll make a handbag on wheels with rockets!!!! This would be really f’ing wicked!!!!
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September 1st 2009 - 22:53:56 |
I think i may have sounded “men only” here. C’mon all you Hoboken ladies, be cool and make a contraption to challenge us biyz? Make a cupcake on wheels or a hair brush float and challenge us masculine fellas in Hobotag 2009!!!
In response to midtownauthentic who said:
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September 1st 2009 - 23:04:51 |
And is that radar machine next to a hydrant? Can someone call the police and have a ticket placed on the machine please!!!!
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September 1st 2009 - 23:29:39 |
These devices are only good educational tools for drivers if they are positioned about 1/3 of the way from the acceleration point to the next signal or, in this case, the stop sign. Putting this thing 25′ before a stop sign isnt very smart since probably 90%-95% of those drivers have their foot on the brake at that point. Push it back halfway down the block towards the laundromat then people will see, “WOW, I’m GOING 38MPH already and my foot is still on the gas. WHOOPS better brake.”
And I don’t know the benefits package that Parking guy is getting but for a 1 square mile town 103K seems high. OR maybe he’ll relocate the municipal garage before November? In which case he is well worth it!
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September 2nd 2009 - 11:55:39 |
That is sweet.
In response to sonofagunk who said:
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September 2nd 2009 - 12:38:12 |
There has actually been quite a bit of research done on this question and according to most studies, radar speedcheck signs are highly effective at slowing cars – especially around school zones, neighborhood streets and work zone areas. You can find a nice collection of links to over a dozen government studies at http://www.informationdisplay.com. Also, http://www.stopspeeders.org has a comprehensive review of various traffic calming options – pros and cons of each. As the article points out, where and how these devices are mounted can make a big difference on their effectiveness. If your interested in specifics, the city of Bellevue WA (which employs over 30 radar speed signs) just released a comprehensive study that includes suggestions on installation. By the way – most radar speed signs have “cut-off” features that keep users from seeing how fast they can register on the sign.
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September 2nd 2009 - 12:49:18 |
Here’s an interesting speed-deterring method (it’s a 1 minute clip):
http://gelconference.com/06e/ted.html
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September 2nd 2009 - 15:42:28 |
Reminds me of the Office episode where they are all seeing who can run and get the highest score. Then as Michael Scott is running by, an actual car passes by and he’s like “WOW! I ran 38 MPH!”
Good times.
In response to sonofagunk who said:
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September 2nd 2009 - 16:55:22 |
are you for real? a cupcake on wheels or a hair brush float? woooww.
i wish these radar signs had some warning on them on them…maybe a sign to scare drivers into thinking their speeds/picture of their license plate will be recorded. otherwise im not sure these radars do much.
In response to midtownauthentic who said:
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September 2nd 2009 - 23:33:03 |
When I was in high school (Randolph HS NJ) I’ll tell a lil about myself here, they had these recreated dwi scenes for us to witness. It was a messed up car with actors playing dead or injured. Speeding causes accidents and harm. Maybe if the town puts a wrecked car on side of road with dummies or something about the scene with a sign that says speed kills, maybe that would help?
In response to masterofkarate who said:
i wish these radar signs had some warning on them on them…maybe a sign to scare drivers into thinking their speeds/picture of their license plate will be recorded. otherwise im not sure these radars do much.
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