Prevention

Could speed limits be enforced more rigorously?

Unfortunately, the traditional police / radar gun approach is manpower-intensive and costly. Community budgets limit the number of streets that can be routinely and effectively monitored by police departments. In order to avoid spreading police enforcement too thinly, the municipality and residents must cooperate to identify and prioritize the most serious speeding problems. Remember that because of equipment tolerances and other factors, most police departments will target speed violations at a minimum of 5 mph above the posted speed limit. 100% compliance with speed limits is not a realistic goal.

What can be done?

Municipalities are studying new technologies, like photographic radar, to increase the effectiveness of speed enforcement at an acceptable cost to taxpayers. Governmental agencies with adequate resources can reduce arterial highway congestion, which can help reduce the use of neighborhood streets.

You Can Help

Residents can help by becoming better judges of what constitutes reasonable speed. Judging vehicle speed is very difficult to do for a stationary observer. To become a better judge of vehicle speed, ask a friend or family member to drive at the posted speed limit to provide an example of how legal vehicles should look and sound.

If, after becoming a better judge of vehicle speeds, you still have concerns about speeding, contact your community police department by calling (847) 438-2349 and explaining the problem. Note the location and hours when speeding appears most prevalent. Municipal staff may then perform studies to determine the extent to which speed limit violations are occurring and examine possible solutions.