EFFECTIVENESS OF SCHOOL SPEED LIMITS

Several types of speed control systems are used in school areas in Nebraska. These systems feature a range of school speed limits and signing schemes. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of various systems being used to reduce speeds in school zones. Spot speed studies were conducted in 10 school speed zones, which were selected as being representative of the different types of zones used on urban streets in residential areas in Nebraska. The school speed limits at the study sites ranged from 15 to 25 mph on streets with normal speed limits from 15 to 40 mph. Some of the school speed limits were in effect at all times, some were in effect only when children were present, and some were in effect only when beacons on the speed limit signs were flashing. Rank analysis of the spot speed data was used to determine the relative effectiveness of the zones. Regression analysis of the data was used to determine the effect of the school speed limits on the speeds in the zones. Based on the results of the analyses, it was concluded that school speed limits below 25 mph should not be used on streets with normal speed limits of 35 mph or above. It was also concluded that school speed zones that were in effect only when children were present were not as effective as those that were in effect at all times or when beacons on the speed limit signs were flashing. The results of the regression analysis indicated that speeds in a school speed zone were not affected by the school speed limit unless the school was close to the street. Also, if the school was close to the street, the speeds in the zone were inversely related to the school speed limit so that higher school speed limits resulted in lower speeds.

• Corporate Authors:

  University of Nebraska, Lincoln

  College of Engineering and Technology
  Lincoln, NE  United States  68503

  Nebraska Department of Roads

  1500 Highway 2, P.O. Box 94759
  Lincoln, NE  United States  68509
• Authors:
  • McCoy, P T
  • Heimann, J E
• Publication Date: 1989-8

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 73 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Measures of effectiveness; Regression analysis; Residential areas; Schools; Speed control; Speed limits; Spot speed; Traffic control devices
• Uncontrolled Terms: Effectiveness
• Old TRIS Terms: Speed control devices; Spot speed study
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Education and Training; Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; I73: Traffic Control;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00491309
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: TRP-02-21-89, RES1(0099) P424
• Files: TRIS, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Feb 28 1990 12:00AM