Reducing Neighborhood Speeders | Public Works & Utilities

Public Works & Utilities >> Traffic Division >> Neighborhood Traffic Safety

What Can Be Done About Neighborhood Speeders?

You can make a difference by:

Always driving 25 MPH or less in residential areas.
Avoiding using local streets as shortcuts.

Neighborhoods and Law Enforcement can make a difference by:

1. Working in groups to combat the problem. The most effective way of reducing a speeding problem is through selective enforcement--working with the Sheriff's Office on traffic infractions in your area. You can reach the neighborhood patrol deputy by phone at (253) 798-4840.

2. Reporting incidents. Prepare to give Sheriff's deputies as much information as possible:

Vehicle description.
License number.
Day and time speeding most often occurs.
Location--road and cross road information.

We can help with our Radar Trailer

You can request we set up the Radar Trailer in your neighborhood. This provides a visual reminder to drivers just how fast they are driving compared to the legal maximum speed limit.

What about Speed Humps and Traffic Circles?

Pierce County is currently considering the installation of speed humps and traffic circles on a limited basis, as part of a trial pilot project. Two neighborhoods have been selected, and the first devices are planned for installation in fall, 2005.

In the months following their installation, the overall effectiveness of the devices as well as the public?s receptiveness will be carefully evaluated. In 2006, we will be reporting the results to the County Council, and a future direction will be discussed. Check with us in mid-2006 for a status and to learn if we will be considering additional neighborhoods in 2007.

What about Children at Play Signs?

Why We Don't Install 'Children at Play' Signs

Parents often request 'Children at Play' warning signs to urge motorists to drive cautiously. However, traffic studies show that 'Children at Play' warning signs don't reduce vehicle speeds, nor reduce pedestrian accidents.

In fact, 'Children at Play' signs can increase the potential for accidents by giving a false sense of protection to children and parents which cannot be guaranteed.

For these reasons, national traffic standards, such as the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), don't recognize such warning signs and discourage their use. Our department doesn't want to encourage children to play within the roadway--which is intended exclusively for the use of vehicles.

Additionally, to maintain consistency we would have to post the signs in so many locations throughout the county that they would cease to command the attention or respect of drivers.

'Neighborhood Entry' Signs Can Be Used

To help increase driver awareness, and to reinforce a neighborhood's concern that drivers comply with the residential speed limit, 'Neighborhood Entry' signs may be placed at entrances to, and at key locations within, a neighborhood.

'Neighborhood Entry' signs must be approved by the County Engineer. Neighborhood groups or individuals are responsible for all costs associated with manufacturing, installing, and maintaining the signs. To have the County Engineer consider your neighborhood, request the 'Neighborhood Entry' Sign request form.

What Parents Can Do To Protect Their Children

We hope that you, as parents, will educate your children about the dangers of traffic.

Teach them to stop and look both ways before crossing a street.
Warn them not to play in the streets or to dart into traffic to retrieve a toy.
Encourage them to conduct their activities away from the roadway environment.
Don't install sports equipment that uses the roadway as the playfield.

Some neighborhoods have worked together to build playground areas that give children a place to play that is safely removed from the vicinity of traffic.

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