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• Synthesis of Safety Research Related to Speed and Speed Management

Synthesis of Safety Research Related to Speed and Speed Management

prepared by

Jack Stuster
Zail Coffman

Anacapa Sciences, Inc.
PO Box 519
Santa Barbara, CA

and

Davey Warren

Safety Design Division, HSRᰫ20
Federal Highway Administration

Sponsored by

Office of Safety and Traffic Operations R&D
Federal Highway Administration
6300 Georgetown Pike
McLean, VA 22101–2296

and

Office of Traffic Injury Control Programs
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
400 7th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20590

Contract No. DTFH61–96–P–00521

NOTICE: This document is disseminated under the sponsorship of the Department of Transportation in the interest of information exchange. The United States Government asumes no liability for its contents or use thereof. The report does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

SPEED–SAFETY RELATIONSHIPS

• Speed and the Incidence of Crashes
• Speed and the Severity of Crashes

FACTORS INFLUENCING SPEED

• Driver Attitudes and Behavior
• Road Characteristics
• Environmental Conditions

SPEED LIMITS AND SPEEDS

SPEED LIMITS AND SAFETY

ENFORCEMENT

• Mobile Patrol Vehicles
• Stationary Patrol Vehicles
• Aerial Enforcement
• Radar and Laser Speed-Monitoring Equipment
• Automated Enforcement
• Drone Radar
• Speed Feedback Indicators
• Public Information and Education
• Traffic Enforcement Notification Signs
• Impact on Crime

ENGINEERING MEASURES

• The Effects of Traffic Calming

SUMMARY

REFERENCES

ABSTRACT

This report presents a synthesis of research findings on the safety effects of speed, speed limits, enforcement, and engineering measures to manage speed.

The report updates a similar synthesis published in 1982. A great deal of speed related research has been carried out since that time. This synthesis highlights the results of significant safety research related to speed completed since the last update. Some of the earlier benchmark studies are incorporated where appropriate.

The report is a product of the FHWA–NHTSA Speed Management Team.

FHWA-RD-98-154