Speeding is a major factor in motor vehicle crashes, and almost one-quarter of speeding-related fatalities occur on streets with speed limits of 35 mph or less. In 2007, Montgomery County implemented the state of Maryland’s first automated speed enforcement program, with camera use limited to residential streets with speeds limits of 35 mph or less and school zones. Vehicle speeds were measured approximately 6 months before and 6 months after speed cameras were deployed, and signs were installed warning of the speed enforcement program. Relative to comparison sites in Virginia, the proportion of drivers traveling more than 10 mph above posted speed limits declined by about 70 percent at Montgomery County locations with both warning signs and speed camera enforcement, 39 percent at locations with warning signs but no speed cameras, and 16 percent on residential streets with neither warning signs nor speed cameras. Public opinion surveys found 74 percent of Montgomery County drivers thought speeding on residential streets was a problem. Six months after enforcement began, 60 percent of drivers were aware of the camera program and 62 percent supported it. (Author/publisher)
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