Those Speed Limit Signs Really Work!

By Doug Geed

   You've probably seen them -- those portable speed limit signs that are on tires. They're dropped off at a location and kept there temporarily then moved to another spot where people tend to speed. It posts the speed limit for that area and then in flashing red numbers, the speed YOU are driving appears.

   There's one by a school near my house and I have to admit if I'm driving faster than posted speed limit, I slow down. It's not only that YOU see you're driving too fast, the flashing numbers tell everyone in the area that you're driving too fast. It's like the machine is embarrassing you into obeying the law.

    A couple of weeks ago, while I was jogging, I saw another one of the signs pop up near where I live, on a residential street that's kind of used as a short-cut between two busier streets. It seemed like an odd place for one, but as soon as I saw it, I started smiling. I jog regularly and I love it, but I run pretty slowly -- about a ten minute mile. And as I rounded the curve on this street and saw the sign, I saw a bright red "6" flashing on it. It took me a few seconds, but I realized, with no cars anywhere near me, the sign was posting MY speed limit. "6" -- is 6-miles an hour -- or, a 10-minute mile.

  As I said, those speed limit signs really work!

PS: Slow down. Especially around the holidays with all the added stress, no one is concentrating as much as they should while driving. And as a jogger, I can tell you, virtually every car that passes me is breaking the speed limit. Make it safe for everyone.

Comments

[Bob]

6? You were jogging at 6 mph? That's impressive. My legs shimmy at 4.

Have a Happy Holiday.