Rising Fatal Crashes Prompt Sacramento Speed Bump Consideration
Car accidents on Sacramento streets have seen a worrisome uptick this year, with over three dozen fatalities already reported. This alarming trend has ignited a robust call for the city to implement measures to slow down vehicular traffic.
Alice Davis, a longtime resident of Tahoe Park for 53 years, is among those raising their voices against the recurring menace of speeding cars. Her residence, situated in a zone with a speed limit of 25 mph, has often witnessed vehicles racing past at unsettling speeds. Her frustration was compounded when a vehicle once crashed into the brickwork of her front yard, causing substantial damage.
To address the issue, Alice took the initiative to circulate a petition, urging Sacramento city officials to consider the installation of speed bumps as a deterrent. Alice consistently reached out to the city for years, only to be informed of budgetary constraints preventing immediate action. She recalls the agonizing wait of eight long years and even humorously mentions her fleeting thought of installing a speed bump herself out of sheer exasperation.
Recognizing the mounting concerns of its residents, the City of Sacramento has now decided to increase its budget allocation for traffic safety. The revised plan includes the installation of speed bumps on 20 new city streets, which many hope will significantly reduce the speed of vehicles and enhance road safety.
Isaac Gonzalez, the founder of Slow Down Sacramento, has been a devoted advocate for safer streets. He believes that a dedicated budget for traffic safety measures is crucial. The gravity of the situation is evident when considering Sacramento’s ranking—it stands out as one of the cities with the highest number of fatal road collisions in California. Gonzalez shed light on the grim reality by citing recent incidents, such as vehicles striking individuals near a school, a cyclist’s tragic death, and a pedestrian’s demise. Such accidents, he said, are becoming almost routine.
Alice Davis’s relentless advocacy seems to be paying off, as she recently discovered that her street is slated to get speed bumps soon. With a sense of accomplishment, she expressed her relief at the prospect of a safer neighborhood for her and her fellow residents.
However, for the installation of speed bumps, the city has mandated a democratic process. Two-thirds of the residents on any street must vote in favor of the initiative. If the consensus is achieved, the construction of the speed bumps is expected to start later this month.
The Impact of Speed Bumps on Neighborhood Traffic Safety
Speed bumps, commonly seen in many neighborhoods, are designed to deter drivers from exceeding safe speed limits in residential areas. By breaking up the continuous traffic flow, they compel vehicles to slow down, reducing the risk of accidents. At optimal speeds, drivers have more time to react to unexpected situations like a child suddenly darting into the road or a pedestrian crossing without warning. When vehicles traverse at a controlled pace, the chances of collisions are significantly diminished, ensuring the safety of both motorists and residents.
In addition to actively reducing vehicle speed, speed bumps serve as a psychological reminder of the need for caution in neighborhoods. Their presence reinforces the idea that residential areas are shared spaces where pedestrians, cyclists, children playing, and pets might be present. Over time, regular drivers on these routes become conditioned to anticipate these speed bumps and automatically adjust their speed even before reaching them. This behavioral adaptation, prompted by the speed bumps, leads to a more vigilant driving culture within the neighborhood, further aiding in preventing traffic accidents.
The following video highlights that over three dozen individuals have died in car accidents on Sacramento streets this year. Consequently, there’s an increasing call for measures to reduce driving speeds in the city.
California Car Accident Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer. Our team of car accident lawyers at AutoAccident.com is committed to ensuring the safety and rights of all road users. If you’ve been impacted by a traffic incident, contact our law firm for free, friendly advice at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. We’re here to champion your cause.
Photo by Robin Jonathan Deutsch on Unsplash
cha llo [cs 707]