Speed Zones for Mine Traffic Calming

• Jun 26, 2012
• Filed in Traffic Calming Articles 
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Mines have special requirements for speed limits and speed zones. The changing nature of this type of work area means that a single speed limit isn't going to work well. Variable speed signs for traffic calming can help when the speed in an area changes throughout the day. There are a few things to consider when planning on which signs to use, and which speed limits work best.

First, it's important to get MUTCD traffic signs that are recognizable to all drivers. Variable speed signs from TraffiCalm Systems meet this requirement. TraffiCalm is a member of the International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA) and the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA), both organization dedicated to high quality traffic signs and traffic safety. TraffiCalm is also an ISO9001 certified manufacturer that's ITAR compliant. All the products produced for traffic calming are of the highest quality and meet or exceed the standards of governing bodies and safety organizations.

Choosing high-quality signs that drivers will heed is an important step. Setting the right speed limits is also important to make sure drivers will actually follow the limits.

Variable Speed Signs Allow Flexibility

A road area that seems mostly open and unobstructed gives drivers a much different perception of what a safe speed might be than one that moves around a lot of obstacles. Many pieces of heavy equipment in an area will also lower the speed a driver perceives to be safe, as will heavy traffic. The driver's perception is a key factor in determining a safe speed for the area.

If a safe speed in an area tops out at 10-15 miles per hour during heavy traffic times, but at other times the area is very open and lightly traveled, putting up a sign with a 15 mph speed limit isn't going to help. People will disregard that when traffic is light, making it less likely they'll obey it during other times, too.

A variable speed sign that can reflect the changing limits throughout the day would be a better choice. It can show 10 mph as the limit during the busiest times, then reflect a more relaxed speed limit when traffic is light and fewer people are present. This changing speed means fewer drivers will ignore the limit, and the area will be safer.

Driver Feedback Signs for Traffic Calming

A history of an area, such as the number of accidents in a given period of time, might show that something like a driver feedback sign is a good idea. These signs reflect a driver's speed back at them, which generally causes drivers to slow down. This can help prevent more accidents, especially if an add-on is used which flashes the words "slow down" to speeding drivers, with or without a sad-face emoticon.

All these options are available from TraffiCalm Systems to help making mining areas safer for workers.

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