ODOT adds new speed reminders on Highway 97
A few friendly reminders for speeders have popped up on Highway 97. New radar speed signs, also called driver feedback signs, now welcome drivers to both Bend and Redmond.
According to a study by radarsign, the devices are very effective in curbing speeding. Data collected from the signs show “speeders will slow down up to 80 percent of the time when alerted by a radar sign,” and “overall compliance with the posted speed limit will go up by 30-60 percent.”
Oregon Department of Transportation Region 4 spokesman Peter Murphy said the signs are cost-effective — and work.
“What we found with the driver feedback sign is that people see it, and they react to it — and that’s what we’re after,” Murphy said Tuesday. “(We want) to get people to notice what speed they’re driving, and then to adjust it according to the speed limit in the area.”
People in Bend NewsChannel 21 talked to had mixed feelings about the signs.
“I think they’re kind of annoying, because I usually just drive the speed limit anyway, because I’m not in any hurry. I’m retired,” Ken Newman said.
But Samantha Korich said, “I think they’re great. Every time I see one, it helps remind you where you’re at, how fast you’re going. Any person isn’t completely aware of everything at all times.”
Murphy said drivers take note right away when these signs go up, and there is a measurable decrease in speed. He said the signs have been proven to be effective in the short term, but it’s too early to say if they’ll always have the same impact.
“These are kind of a new sign, especially for us here. So we’re not sure how effective they’ll be in the long haul,” Murphy said. “We found that some signs kind of lose their effectiveness after some time. The yellow flashing light is one of those people kind of ignore after awhile.”
Murphy said ODOT is hopeful these signs will continue to catch people’s attention, because they are triggered by each individual driver, instead of just constantly flashing. He said they were not installed in response to anything in particular, but instead are part of the department’s ongoing effort to improve safety on Highway 97.
