Complaints about the speed of vehicles on residential streets are common. Usually, residents assume the solution to the problem is to either lower the speed limit or install additional stop signs. Unfortunately, statistics prove that neither of these methods is effective in lowering the speed of vehicles.
SPEED LIMITS. Illinois State Statutes, which municipalities must comply with, specify the speed limit must be 30 mph on municipal streets unless an engineering study has been conducted which warrants an increase or decrease. A common misconception is that if speed limits are arbitrarily lowered, vehicle speed will be lowered. In fact, numerous before and after studies from across the nation performed over decades, consistently show artificially lowered speed limits have no effect on vehicle speed. Motorists will drive at a speed they feel comfortable with and which, they feel, constitutes safe driving. Lowering a speed limit arbitrarily with no engineering study simply makes traffic law violators out of safe and careful drivers. Additionally, it opens up a municipality to a legal challenge for unenforceable traffic citations.
STOP SIGNS. Another general misconception is that the installation of additional stop signs will decrease the overall vehicle speed on local streets. Once again, numerous studies conducted over the years and across the nation, show that speeds are reduced ONLY in the immediate area of the stop sign. Vehicle speed downstream of the stop sign (mid-block) actually increases as drivers feel the need to make up for the time lost at the stop sign. Illinois State Statutes indicate that all traffic control signage must comply with the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). Multi-way stop signs should only be used when warranted by an engineering study. Installation of extra, unwarranted stop signs causes additional problems such as an increase in rear-end collisions and a greater abuse of compliance where vehicles may not stop completely (rolling stop) or may not stop at all. This creates unsafe conditions for pedestrians, especially children, who assume vehicles will stop at all stop signs.
REQUESTING TRAFFIC CONTROLS. Requests
for traffic controls, including speed limit adjustment, stop signs, no parking
designations, etc., can be made to the Chief of Police or the Administrative
Sergeant, Mark Parrish, at 847-968-3764. This
request will be forwarded to the Chief of Police, Director of Public Works, and
Village Engineer who make a recommendation for final disposition.
If a traffic control change is warranted, a recommendation is made to the
Village Board. All traffic
controls, with the exception of warning signs, require the adoption of a Village
ordinance before the change can be made.
When submitting a request, please follow the format listed
below:
1)
The request must be made in writing
2)
Specify the purpose of the request (stop sign, speed adjustment, etc.)
3)
Specify the location(s)
4)
Include a reason explaining why the change is warranted
Page last updated on Wednesday, July 02, 2008 at 08:42 AM -0500