Physics on a theoretical level is a field of study best left to mathematicians and other scientists with advanced degrees. From a practical viewpoint, physics plays an important role in explaining how things work in our everyday life. No better example exists than how a speeding car can cause immediate and irrevocable harm to a child struck in a school zone by a car exceeding the school speed limit.
Physical trauma ‚Äì The impact of an average-sized car traveling at 20 mph. striking a pedestrian is critically different from an impact experienced at 30 mph. In most instances, the driver’s reaction time at the lower speed is noticeably increased and they can diminish the final collision speed by swerving. In a 40 mph collision over 70 percent of pedestrians are likely to be killed, while at 30 mph, the percentage drops to less than 40 percent. Amazingly, at 20 mph, the number drops to a 3 percent. The laws of physics work whether we want them to or not.
Mental anxiety – First responders, witnesses, and loved ones of the pedestrian hit by a car will have added stress. Especially if the pedestrian is a child. The incident not only changes the next hour of two that it takes to begin emergency care, but after-math effects everyone involved.
Societal impact – While school area accidents are definitely traumatic for the specific individuals involved, they also have a larger effect on the community. What the real cost of these delays is open to interpretation but it certainly pales in comparison to the amount of money it costs a single drier to slow down and avoid an accident in a school zone.
For further information on why a school speed limit is set and the signage regulation, contact us at Zumar Industries. Find us online at Zumar.com or reach us directly at 800.654.7446.