Radar, LED and battery technologies are at the core of driver feedback signs, which alert drivers of their speed. These signs, also known as radar speed signs, are designed to get drivers to comply with regulations or to create safer conditions. Here are important points to know about driver feedback signs.
Driver Feedback Sign Placement
There are a variety of different types of radar-based signs that alert motorists of their driving speed. Electronic displays are commonly placed under a speed limit sign with "your speed" flashing in bright LED lights that are practically impossible to overlook. Motorists typically respond right away if they need to slow down. Sometimes there will be an officer nearby to enforce the speed limit, so it's wise for drivers to use the electronic sign as a clue to adjust driving behavior if necessary.
The main goal of this traffic calming device is to keep traffic flowing at a safe speed. It serves a similar purpose as physical traffic calming devices such as speed bumps. A big difference is that the speed display board of an electronic sign is more of an advisory to slow down for drivers that are exceeding the speed limit, whereas physical devices are more forceful at getting traffic to reduce speed. Radar speed signs typically detect speeds from 5 to 127 mph within a range of 1,200 feet.
It's common for driver feedback signs to be placed near residential areas, schools, industrial zones or construction work. Portable signs are often used for temporary traffic control zones. Standards and guidance for these signs are set by the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), which refers to them as "changeable message signs." Certain states such as California and Minnesota have more specific requirements.
Electronic signs can be easily installed on poles, trailers or other mobile devices. Most of the time, portable signs only take a minute to install, which is useful for road work crews and law enforcement.
Modern Technology and Efficiency
Many of the modern radar speed signs are solar-powered to achieve energy efficiency and savings, helping local governments and communities. They are very useful where AC power is unavailable or too expensive. The solar energy collected from the sun can be stored in batteries and used on a 24/7 basis in most places across the United States.
Portable or permanent radar signs are usually designed to be weatherproof and theft resistant. They can also be controlled remotely from a mobile app with wireless Bluetooth connectivity. The app can be used to schedule operation times, change the speed limit, brighten LED lights and more.
A portable solar-powered radar device is further useful to local authorities to collect data for analysis on traffic patterns. Some of the measurements it can provide include number of vehicles on the road, peak traffic times and incidents of speeding. Since these reports provide a wealth of information on a specific traffic location, local officials use the technology to temporarily test and influence traffic in many different places with portable devices.
A key drawback to portable radar signs is that they are less effective when there is a wide range of multiple vehicles moving at different speeds. Other than that, they generally make neighborhoods safer and drivers more conscious of regulations.
Conclusion
Radar-based driver feedback signs are interactive, collecting various traffic data then helping motorists adjust to speeds within the posted speed limit. This effective technology is a deterrent or authoritative reminder to keep traffic under control. Contact Zumar at our Arizona, California or Washington location to learn more about our wide variety of traffic control solutions.