Unless you own a race track, you’re probably not a huge fan of speeding on your property. Speeding can result in property damage, poses a danger to pedestrians, and result in collisions on your lot.
Whether you own a parking lot, a parking garage, or a parkade, you’re likely not trying to recreate Fast & Furious on your property. So, what can you actually do to encourage people to pump the brakes and proceed with caution?
In this article, we’re breaking down the best ways to take your property from “Fast & Furious” to “Slow & Safe.” Although “Slow & Safe” might not be the most exciting movie title, these speed reduction strategies will help you keep traffic at a reasonable pace while ensuring that your property and pedestrians are safe.
Speed Bumps
Even Vin Diesel is no match for a good speed bump!
If you’re looking for the most effective way to stop speeding on your property, this is it. Speed bumps are more than just a warning for drivers to slow down because those who choose to ignore speed bumps are in for a rude awakening. Driving too quickly over speed bumps can cause damage to vehicle suspension and tires.
Speed bumps are designed to encourage vehicles to reduce their speeds down to 25-30 km/h. At this speed, drivers can comfortably cross a speed bump with no damage to their vehicle. Speed bumps are often installed in parking lots to reduce crash rates and increase pedestrian safety.
Here are some key statistics that demonstrate the effectiveness of speed bumps:
- Speed bumps are associated with a 39% decrease in crash frequency. (City of Portland)
- Speed bumps are associated with a 46% decrease in injuries. (City of Portland)
- Vehicle speeds are reduced up to 40% in areas where speed bumps are installed (Iowa Department of Transportation)
When it comes to speed bumps, the dimension and placement of speed bumps are important. Speed bump installation is also a complex process that requires proper planning and execution. That’s why it’s essential to choose a company that specializes in speed bump installation (like EverLine!) for your installation service.
Custom Stencilling
If you’re looking for a more subtle but effective way to limit speeding on your property, custom stencilling is a great option.
Although custom stencilling isn’t likely to deter the characters in Fast & Furious, this strategy is effective if your property visitors tend to be good rule-followers. Sometimes drivers just need a reminder to slow down, and custom stencilling does just that.
Although there are no real statistics on the efficacy of this method, we’ve had numerous clients find success with this traffic calming strategy.
There are a few things to keep in mind when booking a custom stencilling service:
- Custom stencilling affects the appearance of your property. A poor custom stencilling job can quickly ruin the appearance of your lot and leave a bad first impression on your visitors. Be sure to hire a company that specializes in custom stencilling so they can ensure your property looks great.
- You want your custom stencilling to last. If you invest in safety measures on your property, you want that investment to last as long as possible. Some traffic paint is much more durable than other options. For example, at EverLine, we offer TBL Durables for applications in high-traffic areas. This traffic paint lasts three times longer than water-based traffic paint alternatives.
Signage
Compared to custom stencilling, speed limit signage is more likely to get drivers to pump the breaks, especially in Alberta. Although you can add speed limits and other traffic signs to parking lots across Canada, the rules of the road don’t always apply on private property. However, traffic signs and speed limits in Alberta parking lots have the full force of the law.
Although the Fast & Furious characters may not be overly concerned with speed limits, your average driver is more likely to slow down to avoid getting a ticket.
Here are some key statistics that demonstrate the effectiveness of speed limits:
- Reducing speed limits from 40 km/h to 30 km/h is associated with a 28% decrease in pedestrian motor vehicle collisions. (BMC)
- Reducing speed limits from 40 km/h to 30 km/h is also associated with a 67% 67% decrease in major and fatal injuries. (BMC)
- 91% of people believe that everyone should follow speed limits. (Forbes)
- Around 80% of drivers believe driving at or near the speed limit helps them avoid dangerous situations. (Forbes)
Alberta city bylaws often specify 15km/h as the maximum speed in parking lots unless otherwise posted. Most posted speed limits range from 10-20 km/h.
When it comes to installing speed limit signs or other traffic signs on your property, it’s important to consider the placement of the sign. Work with experts (like those at EverLine) to ensure that your signs are installed correctly in the places where they will have the greatest impact.
EverLine Can Help You Create a “Slow & Safe” Property
If you ask us, Fast & Furious is old news. Who needs nine movies about fast cars anyways? Okay, okay — those movies are epic. But, there’s a time and a place for speeding cars. They’re a lot better on the big screen than racing around in your parking lot.
At EverLine, we offer all of the services discussed in this article to help you reduce traffic speed on your property and make your parking lot safer for all of your visitors. Our crews have been specially trained in speed bump installation, custom stencilling, sign installation and more and are ready to help you improve safety on your parking lot today. Contact us to get a free quote for your property!
