Evaluation of Speed Trailers in Canterbury

This paper reports on a study that evaluated the use of speed trailers in Canterbury (Christchurch, New Zealand). Speed trailers are speed information devices (SID) that can be parked at the side of the road, with an electronic component set to show passing vehicles how fast they are traveling. The authors report on the effectiveness of speed trailers using four separate surveys. Measurement of the speeds of free running vehicles before and after the speed trailer, compared to a control condition when the SID was not present, found that the trailer had an effect on speeds for at least 200 meters downstream of the trailer. A related survey of 27 schools found that most thought the trailer had an effect on vehicle speeds, raised awareness of vehicle speeds, and helped learning about speeds. Drivers interviewed after they had passed the trailer had noticed the SID and knew what it was; nearly half of them made positive comments about the trailer. The authors conclude that the SIDS can slow traffic, make drivers more aware of their speeds, and can provide an educational tool for schools and their communities.

• Corporate Authors:

  Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand

  158 The Terrace
  Wellington,   New Zealand 
• Authors:
  • Cambridge, Susan
  • Osmers, Wayne
  • Francis, Tony
• Conference:
  • Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand (IPENZ) Transportation Group. Technical Conference Papers 2003
  • Location: Christchurch , New Zealand
  • Date: 2003-9-17 to 2003-9-17
• Publication Date: 2003

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Appendices; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 11p
• Monograph Title: Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand (IPENZ) Transportation Group. Technical Conference Papers 2003

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Attitudes; Automobile drivers; Awareness; Fines (Penalties); Highway safety; Real time information; Speed indicators; Speed signs; Speed zones; Speeding; Traffic speed
• Candidate Terms: Speed display signs
• Geographic Terms: Canterbury (New Zealand); Christchurch (New Zealand)
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Safety and Human Factors; I82: Accidents and Transport Infrastructure; I85: Safety Devices used in Transport Infrastructure;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01052118
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, ATRI
• Created Date: Jun 17 2007 9:01AM