Speeding is one of the most prevalent factors contributing to traffic crashes. The economic cost to society of speeding-related crashes is estimated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to be $40.4 billion per year, $76,865 per minute or $1,281 per second.
In 2005, speeding was a contributing factor in 30 percent of all fatal crashes nationwide, and 13,113 lives were lost in crashes involving excessive vehicle speed. Motor vehicle crashes cost society an estimated $7,300 per second. The total economic cost of crashes is estimated at $230.6 billion annually.
From January through October 2006, speeding accounted for approximately 13 percent of all traffic infractions issued where a traffic stop occurred at a Kingston address, whether actually in what we think of as the “Town of Kingston” or in an outlying area.
In Washington state in 2005, speeding accounted for 38 percent of all fatalities versus the national rate of 30 percent.
Contrary to popular belief, most people caught speeding are driving too fast in their own neighborhoods. “Speeders” aren’t bad guys from somewhere else – most are our own neighbors and friends, responsible people like ourselves who are committed to safe, peaceful neighborhoods.
But speeding is a bad habit, and we need to help each other break it. That’s why neighborhood activity is so important. Neighbors remind neighbors to pay attention to their driving habits. They remind each other of their mutual responsibility to the residents – particularly the children – living in the community.
Some creative approaches that have been used to slow down neighborhood speeders include:
Plant trees. Street trees offer a beautiful alternative to the wide-open speedway feeling of a treeless neighborhood street.
Leave your car at home. Encouraging your family and friends to ride their bicycle, walk or take the bus, will reduce the traffic volume and speeding in your neighborhood. I realize that not all county roads are developed with bike lanes. We are working to add more bike lanes every year!
Write letters to the editor of your neighborhood and community papers. Let drivers know that speeding threatens our sense of community and personal well-being.
There are many other ways North End residents and businesses can help improve traffic safety in your neighborhoods. For example, you can create your own ways to remind people to observe speed limits, such as designing lawn signs telling people to “Slow Down.” Any action that reminds people to watch their speed will affect potential speeders. You can also walk your neighborhood and place door hangers on nearby homes. A block party around the theme “Slow Down’” will also get people thinking and talking about their driving habits.
If you are interested in discussing ideas on how your street, block or neighborhood can work together to reduce vehicular speeding, please contact Carolyn Pence, Kitsap County Traffic Safety Coordinator, (360) 337-4647.
For specific speed enforcement complaints, please contact the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office at (360) 337-7101.
