Do you Plan to Stay Safe this Holiday Season?

Everybody plans on staying safe during the holiday season. But each year, too many people are hurt and killed during the holidays due to traffic accidents. Why are people more at risk during the holiday season? What can you do to avoid accidents and ensure that you protect yourself and your family? What can you do to ensure that the streets of your city are safer for everyone?

Read our December newsletter and learn how and why you need to work to stay safe this holiday season.

There's a Better Way

Many cities are turning to speed cameras for a quick solution to stop speeders. It seems like a foolproof solution. But can technology make mistakes? You may be surprised by the answer.

Daniel Doty, a lawyer in Baltimore, MD, recently received a citation for speeding at 38 mph in a 25 mph zone. The citation included photos and a link to a 3 second video, both of which show that his Mazda was actually sitting still at a red light. Mr. Doty is contesting the $40 charge, but the repercussions are staggering. Thousands of speed tickets are issued each day. How many of them are mistakes?

Apparently speed cameras, thought to be infallible, are capable of errors. But when they do work, do they really work? Do they create changes in driver behavior?

Speed cameras may be effective in curbing behavior for the short term but they also create resentment, which may lead to drivers driving less safely instead of more safely on roads not outfitted with cameras. One organization in the UK claims that speed cameras actually do cause worse driver behavior. Is there a better way to slow drivers for the long run?

Unlike speed cameras, speed display signs simply alert drivers without penalizing them, trusting them to respond appropriately to the reminder. Speed signs create self-motivation and promote alertness that stays with drivers as they continue on new roads.

Radar signs provide accurate speeds and effective, long-term speed control. Do speed cameras?

Keeping Score

In Spokane, WA, a workshop was held earlier this week to instruct residents on how to apply for traffic calming measures on their streets. The funds to be used for the program come from the city's red-light enforcement program and include $140,000 for each city council district in the coming year.

Traffic Logix Rubber Speed Cushions

Neighborhoods need to rate their projects so that the ones with highest need are given funding priority. Four main categories are analyzed when assessing which projects should be funded: traffic volume, vehicle speeds, pedestrian activity, and the number of collisions.

Conducting such thorough traffic studies ensure that traffic calming solutions are installed where they're needed most instead of where residents are the most outspoken. Often, residents will overestimate the speeds of cars or number of pedestrians.

For more information on creating a point system for installing traffic calming solutions, visit the Traffic Logix Guide to Developing a Traffic Calming Program.

The Pivotal Role of Traffic Calming in Emergency Preparedness

Keeping Order/Avoiding Chaos In this issue: Keeping Order/Avoiding Chaos Keeping People Safe and Informed Emergency Preparedness Aiding the Recovery      On the Streets      Premiering      Did you Know?      Traffic Logix Tidbits Natural disasters such as the recent, catastrophic Hurricane Sandy put people’s lives, property, and possessions at risk. In any natural disaster, but particularly in an area unaccustomed to such conditions, panic can ensue. It can be difficult to keep people abreast of changes during an evacuation such as which routes are safe to take, how soon the storm will hit, and when it is no longer safe to be out on the roads. It can also be a challenge to ensure that motorists are driving safely and staying alert as they prepare for an upcoming storm. On the Streets Bloomberg news offers the following advice to New Yorkers looking to avoid traffic after Hurricane Sandy: Use your bike. Read the full story on Bloomberg News. Astoria, Queens Oct 29, 2012 Traffic Logix interviewed Mr. Frank Storch, an Emergency Coordinator for CERT (Community Emergency Response Teams) in Maryland with over 40 years of experience in safety and security management about the role of traffic calming solutions in natural disasters  Ocean City, MD and other emergency situations. Mr. Storch was enthusiastic about the role that variable message signs can fulfill in ensuring safety and protecting people and property. Keeping People Safe and Informed Premiering While radar speed signs are primarily used to slow traffic when speeding is a concern, they can also be a valuable emergency response tool. Mr. Storch suggested that variable message signs can be programmed to offer messages regarding traffic conditions, storm warnings, and in directing traffic along an evacuation route. New software program in Germany helps agencies deal with power outages more efficiently. Read the full article at the Science Daily. A sign such as the rotating SafePace 800 led sign, which offers a full matrix that can be used both to display speeds and for longer messages or graphics can help keep drivers safe and up to date. While static signs can notify people as well, they can be timely to deploy. Radar signs, however, such as the SafePace series, can be deployed in a matter of minutes when used with a speed trailer or dolly unit. In addition to offering notification, radar signs can serve the dual purpose of slowing drivers down and keeping them alert to changing road conditions. Did you Know? In 2011, 9 deaths were caused by hurricanes in the US as reported by the National Weather Service, the least of all categories of weather related fatalaties.Hurricane Sandy   alone has tragically taken over 100 lives. Read more here. Traffic Logix Tidbits Emergency Preparedness Dynamic messaging signs can also play a pivotal role in preparing and responding to emergencies. With the ability to schedule and update messages as needed as well as to display a series of messages one after another, these signs can help keep people informed and safe. They can also be economical since they can be used to control traffic all year long and do not need to be purchased only in an emergency.  “During the emergency evacuations prior to Hurricane Sandy, many people didn’t know which streets to turn down and where it was safe to drive,” said Mr. Storch. “Having signs with specific information such as that 13th St is now Northbound, or that the storm surge is expected at noon, could be extremely helpful in avoiding chaos and helping to evacuate large numbers of people efficiently.” Aiding the Recovery We’ll be attending the NLC Congress of Cities later this month from November 28-December 1 at the Boston Convention & Exposition Center. The Expo brings together local leaders from cities across the United States. If you’re in the area, we’d love to see you. Stop by our booth #1055 and say hello to our reps James Weatherall and Brett Ferrin! We'll have a great giveaway and our solutions for you to explore firsthand. In addition to keeping people informed during an evacuation, Mr. Storch noted that variable message signs can be useful in helping people to recover once the storm is over. The signs can be posted near local stores, letting people know where they can and cannot obtain necessary supplies and pharmaceuticals. They can notify those waiting in line at gas stations when the gas is depleted, helping them to avoid unnecessary waiting. On local roads, dynamic messaging can be invaluable and even lifesaving in letting people know which roads are closed due to flooding or tree falls as well as alternate routes to take instead. Signs that display driver speeds can also warn motorists to slow down when approaching roadways where they need to drive slower due to storm destruction or conditions.

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Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety- Practical Approaches

Achieving Focus In this issue: Achieving Focus Retrofitting Roadways The Traffic Calming Toolbox Developing a Pedestrian Safety Action Plan     On the Streets     Did you Know?     Premiering     Traffic Logix Tidbits It may seem superfluous to say that the first step toward pedestrian and bicyclist safety is awareness. However, roadways are often created with the goal of moving vehicular traffic smoothly and efficiently, and may lack sidewalks, walkways, and adequate shoulder space. In fact, Transportation for America’s Dangerous by Design report on pedestrian fatalities found that more than half of the pedestrians killed between 2000 and 2009 died on principal or minor arterials, wide, straight roads, which are often hostile to pedestrians. It therefore bears repeating, that the first and most crucial step toward pedestrian and bicyclist safety is being aware of non-motorist needs and ensuring that they are factored into street design and engineering. On the Streets Retrofitting Roadways An advocacy group in Austin works to make East Austin more pedestrian friendly with a Walkability Assessment program. Read the full story here. It can be difficult to integrate pedestrian travel allowances on roads built primarily with cars in mind. As cities identify the importance of streets for all, new roads should be constructed with awareness of pedestrian and bicyclist needs as part of the design. However, hope is not lost for existing streets. There are many solutions that can be integrated to facilitate roadways that are friendly to motorists and non-motorists alike. The CDC (Center for Disease Control) in a study on Reducing Childhood Pedestrian Injuries identifies some of these solutions such as establishing traffic signals in hazardous areas, implementing traffic calming measures such as street narrowing or speed humps, and increasing the walk time of pedestrian signals to allow enough time for children to safely cross. Other useful ideas include reducing lanes on arterial roads while adding walkways or bike lanes, establishing pedestrian malls, and improving lighting on neighborhood streets. Premiering Fake bike lanes spray painted on Dallas streets try making a statement but are confusing drivers and may be dangerous. See video footage here. The Traffic Calming Toolbox Traffic Logix prides itself on being a one stop provider for all traffic calming needs. Several of the company’s products can help create safer, smarter streets for bicyclists and pedestrians. The 2-sided Did you Know? CycleLane curbing offers a valuable tool for traffic engineers looking to create more complete streets. The innovative curbing solution has a low profile side, which guides bicyclists back into bike lanes while the high profile side prevents vehicle traffic from entering non-vehicle lanes. The curbing units can be used along with safe-hit posts and/or painted buffer areas to further increase visibility for motorists. They can be useful on roadways as well as in parks, along trails, and anywhere that bicyclists ride. See a map showing the fatalities from 2000 to 2009 within 60 miles of where you live. View the interactive map here. The SuperFlex curbing units can also be a useful tool in designing street narrowing or other curb-focused solutions to make existing roadways safer. Vehicle-focused solutions such as speed humps, speed cushions (shown to the right), and radar feedback signs slow traffic down so that drivers are more aware of their surroundings and more likely to take notice of non-motorists. These devices also ensure that a driver has enough time to stop to avoid hitting a pedestrian. Developing a Pedestrian Safety Action Plan Cities across the country that were identified as having the highest risk of pedestrian fatalities were chosen as focus cities in a FHWA program working to reduce pedestrian deaths. States with focus cities were included as focus states. Services offered include free technical assistance, webinars, training, and assistance in developing a Pedestrian Safety Plan. Non-focus cities and states can receive these services for a cost. The guide to developing a plan is a valuable resource for improved safety and is available on the FHWA website. An article on the progress made so far by focus cities was published by Public Works magazine and is available online here.  The program has so far shown promising results. Traffic Logix Tidbits Traffic Logix rubber speed cushions provide the perfect balance for Anaheim, CA. Read the full story here.

Why are Rubber Speed Cushions our Most Popular Rubber Solution?

With the recent installation of our rubber speed cushions in Anaheim, CA, we thought it was a good time to explain why so many cities choose speed cushions (or as they are sometimes called, speed lumps) over the more traditional speed humps or speed tables.

Speed cushions are basically constructed as a series of small speed humps installed across the road. With Traffic Logix interlocking units, you can even construct them to be more like small speed tables with flat tops. So what's all the excitement about them?

The main reason engineers like speed cushions so much is because unlike their full-road counterparts, they allow emergency vehicles such as fire trucks or ambulances to straddle them without affecting emergency response times. They are placed on the roadway at intervals that allow the width of such vehicles to drive over the cushions while ordinary vehicles have to slow down to drive over them.

Another aspect of speed lumps that attracts cities is that they cost less than speed humps or tables because they require less material to construct. With rubber solutions which are charged per unit, this can equal a significant savings.

The one drawback of speed cushions is that they can be difficult to construct of asphalt or concrete since each speed cushion needs to be exactly the same size for ease of driving and for driver acceptance. This can be avoided with rubber cushions, which are premolded and can ensure uniformity from cushion to cushion.

Traffic Logix Launches Two New Radar Speed Signs and a New Display Trailer

SafePace 700 Sign

Traffic Logix unveiled two new speed display signs and a new trailer several weeks ago, perpetuating the company's commitment to providing a complete toolbox of traffic calming solutions. The SafePace 700 radar sign is similar to the existing SafePace 600 feedback sign, offering two lines of customizable text or graphics and bright LED digits. The SafePace 700 sign offers the advantage of extra large 18" digits, which provide improved visibility and are ideal for higher speed applications.

SafePace 800 Sign

The SafePace 800 is a full matrix LED sign offering exceptional versatility. The sign can be used vertically or horizontally, to display speeds, feature messages, and/or present a graphic or animated image. The dynamic sign can be used both as a message board and a speed display sign and can display up to four rotating messages based on scheduling or driver behavior.

Both of the new SafePace signs include all the features of the full size Traffic Logix SafePace signs such as flashing digits and strobes, stealth mode to collect data, user friendly management software, and optional data collection and solar power.

SafePace Cruiser LT

The signs can be displayed on poles or on the new SafePace Cruiser LT Speed Trailer. The Cruiser LT can be deployed in moments and is an economic solution for calming traffic on multiple streets. The trailer can be rotated in any direction to ensure that your sign can always face traffic regardless of how your Cruiser LT trailer is parked. A simple crank system raised and lowers the included speed limit sign for quick set up and transporting.

The three new traffic calming solutions present economically priced, innovative new options for municipalities and police departments looking to slow traffic on their roads.

Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety

Pedestrian safety and traffic calming have an ongoing, interconnected relationship. Concerns for pedestrian safety are often the impetus behind traffic calming, whether it is on a municipal road, in a private community, or on a corporate campus. In turn, the goal of traffic calming is to slow cars down and make cars safer for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Pedestrians walk past SafePace 400 speed display sign

Each year, pedestrian fatalities comprise about 12% of traffic fatalities in the US.  A NHTSA report released in August 2012 reports 4,280 pedestrian fatalities in 2010 and an estimated 70,000 pedestrian injuries. While the number of pedestrian fatalities has decreased in the past decade, from 2009 to 2010 it has increased by 4%. Final pedestrian fatality data is not readily available for 2011 or 2012, however, a report estimating fatalities for the first quarter of 2012 shows higher overall fatality rates, which very likely translates to higher pedestrian fatalities as well. The 2010 pedestrian fatalities account for the largest percentage of total traffic fatalities in over ten years.

Percentage of traffic fatalities that took the lives of pedestrians

Across the US, a pedestrian is killed in a car accident every two hours and injured every eight minutes. Each of these deaths and injuries is preventable. 

NHTSA reports that of the 70,000 pedestrians injured in traffic crashes in 2010, approximately 23% were age 15 or younger. Safekids.org, a nationwide child safety organization, documents that the highest percentage of fatalities among pedestrians age 14 and under was between 4 pm and 8 pm, the hours when children are out of school. 74% of these fatalities occurred at non-intersection locations.  In addition, the last five years have seen a 25% increase in injuries among 16-19 year olds. On average, 61 kids are injured by cars every day. These injuries are avoidable with the right planning and foresight. The responsibility to prevent these injuries is dual; cities need to implement solutions to slow cars in areas where children walk and schools and families need to educate children about how to navigate traffic safely.

A national initiative to encourage children to walk to school, spearheaded by the national Safe Routes to School program, has helped get more students walking or cycling to their schools. In addition to the physical benefits of consistent exercise, the increase may also be protecting children from car-related injuries. Safekids.org reports that policies that increase the number of pedestrians and cyclists actually improve their safety.  

Traffic calming interventions have been proven to reduce the risk of injury to pedestrians. In a CDC study entitled Reducing Childhood Pedestrian Injuries, the CDC lists traffic calming measures such as street narrowing or speed humps as a valuable tool to protect pedestrians and bicyclists. Flashing beacons have been found to slow cars around schools by 5-7 mph and are a good solution for school zones or any area with high pedestrian traffic. Driver feedback signs can be used to slow cars by alerting drivers while dynamic signs such as the SafePace 600 and SafePace 700 signs can issue different messages based on driver behavior.   The newly released SafePace 800 can also be programmed to show a full matrix graphic such as pedestrians crossing and can be used as a speed display sign as well. 

A key first step to initiating a solution is to identify the specific problem to address. There are many different safety issues that affect pedestrian and bicyclist safety and a solution that works for one issue may not be appropriate for another. Stay posted for a more in depth discussion about how to create a program to protect pedestrians on your streets.

APWA Show a Success

James Weatherall and Johanna Van Der Veen just got back from Anaheim, CA, where they exhibited our radar signs and rubber traffic calming solutions at the APWA (American Public Works Association) Best Show in Public Works. The APWA show boasts the largest display of public works equipment in North America. With more than 400 booths on the exhibit floor, the show displayed a vast array of public works products and technology.

James and Johanna had a great time meeting lots of interesting public works professionals, some of whom were hearing of Traffic Logix for the first time, but many of whom are already customers and/or receive our monthly newsletter, The Traffic Calmer. It was great to meet customers face to face and to hear feedback on how much people enjoy our newsletter.

While all our products got their fair share of attention at the show, there was a lot of excitement over the  SafePace 100 speed sign. The economical radar speed sign offers exceptional visibility and power efficiency in a lightweight portable solution.The speed sign can be mounted on a universal mounting bracket that lets you move it between locations quickly and easily. Optional battery power allows the sign to function for up to four weeks autonomously.

It was great to see so many people stop by to tell us how much they admire the Traffic Logix products and how our mission to make roads safer one solution at a time inspires them.

Thanks to all the attendees for making it such a great show and we look forward to exhibiting at APWA 2013!

Traffic Logix Speed Table Protects Pedestrians, Bicyclists, and Construction Workers outside Metro Station

The outside of the Laurier metro station in Montreal has a lot going on. A busy bicycle lane crosses directly in front of the station while scores of pedestrians flock in and out of the metro. Amid the bicycles and walkers, a temporary construction zone has been erected directly in front of the station. 

The city of Montreal installed a Traffic Logix speed table to slow bicyclists down in front of the metro so that pedestrians can safely cross the path to walk in and out of the metro. The speed table has a flat top to slow bicyclists gradually without being too abrupt or compromising their safety. Measuring 14’ x 10.5’, the speed table has bright yellow taping to alert bicyclists in advance and ensure that the tables are visible even in poor lighting conditions and at night.

The Traffic Logix interlocking units can be expanded to any length or width and were used to create a speed table that fit the dimensions of the bike lane. These units are also used to create speed humps and speed cushions. Of the three solutions, speed tables are the least abrupt, which make them the safest solution for cyclists and pedestrians.

To see video footage of the Traffic Logix speed table at the Laurier metro station click here.

Traffic Logix Releases New SafePace Beacon System

SafePace Beacon System

Traffic Logix recently released the new SafePace Beacon System, a standalone flashing beacon solution. Previously, the flashing beacons were only available as part of the full SafePace school zone system. The new beacons can be used to notify drivers of changing road conditions in school zones, work zones, prior to a steep hill or sudden curve, or anytime you need to alert drivers.

The flashing beacons are available in a choice of amber (yellow) or red and include a unique design that houses all of the solution components in one enclosure for a more streamlined solution.

For the full press release on the SafePace flashing beacons, visit http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/8/prweb9811648.htm and for more information on the beacons, visit the product web page on the Traffic Logix website.

The Traffic Calming Formula: Safer roads = Better driving = Less accidents = Fewer deaths

Traffic Logix SafePace 400 Speed Sign

NHTSA released an early estimate of traffic fatalities for the first quarter of 2012, with frightening results. An estimated 7,630 people died in car crashes during these three months, an increase of 13.5% compared to the first quarter of 2011. The miles traveled increased as well, but only by 1.4%, certainly not accounting for the 13.5% increase in fatalities.

If these projections are realized, this will indicate the second largest increase in fatalities since NHTSA first started recording traffic fatalities in 1975. The largest increase in fatalities was in the first quarter of 1979 with a 15.3% in the number of traffic related deaths.

The 2012 increase in fatalities is following a historic downtrend in traffic fatalities over the past few years.

Were the increased fatalities due to texting while driving? Long stretches of road inviting drivers to speed? Younger, less experienced drivers? Tired driving?

Traffic Logix Rubber Speed Hump

Whatever the cause of the increase in fatalities, creating safer roads is critical to prevent fatalities going forward. Traffic calming is key in preventing accidents. Study after study on speed humps, radar speed signs, and other traffic calming solutions all lead to the same conclusion: traffic calming reduces accidents, and when they do happen, reduces the severity of the outcome.

Solutions such as speed humps that compel drivers to slow down, or speed display signs that return driver focus to the road, are integral to protecting drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.

Safer roads = Better driving = Less accidents = Fewer deaths

Together we can save lives.

Traffic Logix Mourns the Loss of Craig Timothy, Former Company Vice President and Cofounder

We are shocked and saddened by the untimely passing of Craig Timothy, former company vice president and cofounder of Traffic Logix.

Craig was an integral part of Traffic Logix since it's inception and worked tirelessly to realize the company mission of creating safer, more livable streets. His dedication and passion resulted in the installation of thousands of traffic calming solutions in cities across North America.

See the company press release on Craig's passing here.

Military Traffic Calming

Military and air force bases often use traffic calming to ensure healthy flow of traffic and to protect military professionals and their families. Traffic Logix solutions have been installed in tens of military, air force, and navy bases both in the US and abroad. The solutions most purchased by military bases are our rubber speed humps, rubber speed tables, and SafePace 100 low-cost speed signs.

Our rubber speed humps are often used to enhance gate security at military bases, compelling drivers to slow down as they drive over the humps toward the entrance gate. The flat-topped speed tables are a popular choice for military traffic calming on base roads. The rubber speed tables slow vehicles less aggressively than speed humps or bumps, allowing traffic to continue to flow at 20-30 mph. Traffic Logix rubber speed humps and speed tables are both GSA approved and can be purchased by military bases at discounted GSA rates.

The bestselling SafePace 100 speed sign is also a popular choice on military and air force bases due to its low cost and  portability. The compact speed sign displays vehicle speed in brightly lid LEDs, reminding drivers to stay alert and slow down. A user-friendly software interface lets you program the sign including choosing at what speed the sign digits or built in strobe light should flash to warn drivers.The lightweight speed sign is energy efficient and offers optional battery power that allows the sign to function autonomously for 2-4 weeks.Universal mounting brackets can be installed on several poles, allowing you to rotate the sign for use at multiple locations.

Traffic Logix also offers flashing beacons and school zone flashing signs that can be used to protect children at military base schools. The beacons and signs can be programmed to operate only during school hours and include 365 day scheduling so you can specify when and how they operate. Flashing beacons and school zone signs have been shown to significantly decrease traffic around schools, protecting children as they arrive and depart from schools.


Traffic safety is a growing concern on military roads. Military traffic calming can help make your base a safer place.

Citizens Patrol Group Uses SafePace 100 Speed Sign for Rural Traffic Safety

Citizens on Patrol, or COPS, recently purchased a Traffic Logix SafePace 100 driver feedback sign to slow cars down in school areas and on rural roadways.  COPS is a small community group in  rural Enfield, Nova Scotia that serves as the eyes and ears for the local police department when they can't be there. They conduct fundraising, patrol neighborhoods in their own vehicles, and respond to community concerns.

Residents in Enfield often complain about speeding cars, especially near schools and on stretches of rural roads. The citizens group decided to purchase a radar feedback sign to help inform community members of their speeds and remind them to slow down. With a limited budget, the compact SafePace 100 speed sign was the perfect solution with its low price tag and full featured capabilities.

COPS purchased the radar feedback sign with the optional 3 cell battery, which provides up to two weeks of autonomous power. They also chose the optional data collection feature, which lets them monitor traffic and analyze traffic patterns and the effect of their signs. The speed sign includes stealth mode, which allows the sign to appear blank to motorists while capturing valuable traffic data for comparison purposes.

While the SafePace 100 sign is smaller than the full size SafePace 400 sign, it offers an excellent alternative to communities or groups with small budgets.

Psychological vs. Physical Traffic Calming

Rubber Speed Hump

When you need to slow traffic down, there are two routes you can take. You can use psychological traffic calming such as radar speed display signs, which use the feedback loop to remind people of their speed and encourage them to slow down. The other option is physical traffic calming such as speed humps, which are a physical deterrent that leave the driver no alternative but to slow down.

Radar Speed Display Sign

While radar speed display signs and speed trailers are growing in popularity, physical solutions such as speed humps can actually offer a low-cost, flexible, environmentally friendly alternative. For an in-depth discussion about the benefits of rubber traffic calming, read our July Traffic Calmer newsletter. Whichever route you take, our solutions can help you make your streets safer.