Speeding is dangerous and often deadly. In 2018, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were more than 9,300 fatalities in crashes where aggressive driving or speeding was a contributing factor.
A vehicle’s level of speed also has a significant impact on a pedestrian’s level of risk for severe injury or death. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that a pedestrian hit by a vehicle traveling at 20 m.p.h. is nearly two-thirds less likely to be killed, compared to a pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling at 30 m.p.h.
The use of school zone speed safety cameras is authorized under the §21-809, of the Transportation Article, Annotated Code of Maryland. The Town’s Police Department partnered with VerraMobility to conduct a school zone speed study. The study revealed a need for a school zone speed safety camera program. The speed camera program provides a safer school zone, while also benefiting the community allowing more resources for community policing.
University Park will be using state-of-the-art digital unmanned cameras and proven violation detection technology to help decrease potential violations at school zone locations in and on the perimeter of the Town, in addition to using officer operated speed detection equipment. Speed safety cameras have shown to be effective in reducing crashes as well as pedestrian-related injuries. Most importantly, communities that use speed safety cameras consistently report safer roads around their schools. The program helps ensure that drivers pay more attention and obey traffic control devices.