Also, a higher percent of vehicles are now traveling below the posted speed limit. The graph shows the variation in speeds measured between speed bumps. All Traffic Calming Projects share the desire to increase the safety and livability of the neighborhood and the city. Whenever the average speeds and volumes of vehicles are reduced an associated reduction in the number and severity of accidents can be anticipated. Additionally, a reduction in the speed of drivers allows them more time to observe the roadway for conflicts and permits shorter stopping distances.
Fewer drivers using the street creates more and longer gaps for pedestrians to cross.
A check of available Department of Motor Vehicle records for the 15 months before the bumps were constructed as compared to the same time period after bump construction shows a drop from 17 to 13 in reported accidents. The number of injuries reported in those accidents has dropped from 16 to 8. Speed reduction on SE Harold was effective and was typical of similar traffic calming projects. Since a significant amount of traffic has been diverted from SE Harold, presumably former cut-through traffic, the remaining speeders can be assumed to be primarily local residents.