How effective is SafeZone?
In 2007, the New South Wales Roads & Traffic Authority (RTA) undertook a study of several driver warning systems, including flashing road-side and flashing over-road speed advisory signs, as well as an in-road system. The aim was to determine the relative effectivess of each in modifying the driver behaviour as they approached, entered and travelled through a 40km/h school zone. The trials included 5 sites fitted with SafeZone systems.
Independent review of the trial results confirmed:
"The RTA observed 66,335 vehicles entering School Zones with (SafeZone) devices installed. Prior to installation traffic entered at 49km/h (49.6% compliance) and following installation traffic entered at 40.9km/h (81.2% compliance).
No other combination of solutions, excluding the treatment with Fixed Speed Cameras in short school zones, lowered the traffic speed to within 1km/h of the goal. The (SafeZone) device was partnered with the most effective stand-alone device*, yet the addition of the (SafeZone) in-pavement alert device improved the effectiveness by 63-71% (depending upon the metric)."
* refers to speed sign with flashing red LED ringIn summary, SafeZone made 'the most effective' road-side flashing warning signs more than 60% more effective, by better highlighting that the school zone was active. Better still, it showed that more drivers (better than 80%) entered the slower speed zone doing within 1km/h of the 40km/h limit, meaning drivers were slowing down before they entered the slower zone, because they'd been better advised IN ADVANCE.
It's interesting to note that the only other solution as effective at modifying driver behaviour and getting them to slow down when approaching and entering a school zone, were speed cameras! So, while SafeZone is a very effective warning device (more so than road-side flashing lights), it's also a MORE AFFORDABLE solution!
Studies of the performance of SafeZone at railway crossings and pedestrian crossings, and as a supplementary Rail SPAD system, will commence in the first half of 2009. Results will be advised as soon as they are available.
Discover more about the applications SafeZone can be used for. >>
