Many studies of accident causation have identified 'driving too fast for the road conditions' as a major contributory factor. The author considers how an appropriate speed can be arrived at and how it can be implemented with particular reference to pedestrian accidents in built-up areas. Factors which have a bearing on speed are considered including law reform, enforcement, education, signing, vehicle engineering and road engineering. Experiments are outlined which have monitored changes in speed limits and frequency of accidents. In all cases reductions in speed limits result in reductions in accidents. Consideration is given to traffic calming, how it has been used successfully in other European countries and could be used here. The introduction of 20 mph zones is also expected to reduce casualties with survival being more likely following collisions below 20 mph. The author concludes that target speeds must be realistic and enforceable. Engineering measures can give a clear indication of what is reasonable and the environment itself constrain speeds. For the covering abstract of the conference see IRRD 843582.
Abstract