Framework Development of Speed Zone Guidelines Based on Current Best Practices

Studies have shown that speed zoning often is considered a cure-all for crashes and other traffic-related problems. While establishing speed zones, a realistic speed limit should be determined and used. If not, it can result in an increased number of crashes as well as requests from the public to decrease speed limits. A proper guideline is required to ensure consistent speed limits, reduce differential speeds, and defend against public requests to reduce the speed limits arbitrarily. This paper reviews the literature on speed, crashes, enforcement techniques, and speed zone manuals. In addition, a nationwide semi-mixed-mode questionnaire survey was conducted to identify best practices for establishing speed zones. Consequently, traffic engineers from the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) were interviewed in order to provide recommendations for preparing the guidelines. This paper presents a six-step framework for establishing speed zones, based on results from the literature review, survey, and interviews; it provides relevant studies that support the processes. Recommendations for future research are based on a critical evaluation of state DOTs manuals that are currently available. Specifically, this study identified a lack of research and documentation about detailed design of speed zones. The findings and the recommendations provided in this paper can be used to develop a proper speed-zone manual by state DOTs and transportation agencies across the United States.

  • Supplemental Notes:
    • This paper was sponsored by TRB committee ANB40 Traffic Law Enforcement.
  • Corporate Authors:

    Transportation Research Board

    500 Fifth Street, NW
    Washington, DC  United States  20001
  • Authors:
    • Shrestha, Krishna Prasad
    • Shrestha, Pramen Prasad
  • Conference:
  • Date: 2015

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Media Type: Digital/other
  • Features: Figures; References; Tables;
  • Pagination: 16p
  • Monograph Title: TRB 94th Annual Meeting Compendium of Papers

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01558184
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Report/Paper Numbers: 15-4986
  • Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
  • Created Date: Mar 30 2015 9:33AM