Happy 20 MPH Day!
I know a way that you can feel calmer, help the environment, and become an exemplary community member. There are so many benefits to driving slower! I thought we should make a day to celebrate.
I hereby declare May 4 to be… 20 MPH Day!
A speed limit of 20 miles per hour is promoted by the World Health Organization and the United Nations, among others, as a one method to create safer and more sustainable streets.
Why aim to drive at 20 miles per hour or lower? I’m glad you asked. I’m gonna lay it all out.
Children Can’t Judge Car Speed
The first reason listed may be the most important. Primary school children cannot accurately judge the speed of cars traveling more than 20 mph. Even when children are paying attention to the street, they misjudge speeds of cars when those cars are going over 20 mph.
Imagine a world where parents allow their children to walk and bike around the neighborhood without fear. Children used to play in the street and be able to walk and bike to local shops and events.
Let’s stop normalizing hostile environments for children!
Risk of Death and Serious Injury
It turns out that the risk of killing or severely injuring another living being increases exponentially the faster you drive. Some of the most dramatic differences happen between 20 and 40 mph.
The risk of death doubles between 20 and 30 mph, from 8% to 20% respectively. (I’m bummed because the graphs I was going to share are not loading. :()
The risk of causing severe injury increases from about 15% at 20 mph to 50% at 30 mph (NACTO). Note that the risk significantly increases with heavier vehicles, so drivers of electric cars, SUVs, and trucks should drive even slower to compensate.
Obviously, the best way to avoid hurting or killing someone with your car is to not drive, but slowing down can drastically reduce your risk.
Reaction and Braking Distance
The faster you are going, the less time you have to react to an anomaly, like a child running into the street.
Once you apply the brakes, a faster speed means that you will need more time to brake.
Since reacting and braking taking more time, you will travel a farther distance before stopping.
The reaction distance + braking distance for 30 mph is more than twice that of 20 mph (from the World Resources Institute).
Peripheral Vision
The faster your speed, the less you are able to use your peripheral vision to scan your environment. This makes you less able to anticipate people outside, making collisions more likely. (From NACTO)
Stopping for Pedestrians
A recent study found that speed a determining factor in whether cars stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.
Not only is it easier for you to stop when driving slowly, the cars behind you will also be going more slowly, and therefore more likely to stop. It’s the gift that keeps on giving!
Final Thoughts
I have gotten used to the idea that when I’m driving in a populated area, I will not be driving quickly. In order for children and adults of all abilities to get around without a car, we drivers need to make room for them, and create an inclusive shared environment. We do this by driving slowly and always being prepared to yield. Perhaps even embracing a little traffic congestion!
It’s currently not legal for towns in New York to set a speed limit lower than 30. Isn’t that crazy? A recent law allows cities to change their speed limit to 25, but only if the engineers conducting the required expensive traffic study don’t veto it. Un-elected engineers have veto power in 2023? Yes, they apparently do.
Contrary to popular belief, speed limits are not chosen because they are safe for people outside of vehicles. 30 mph is a deadly speed, and we should normalize calling it what it is.
I wish you a happy 20 mph day! I hope you celebrate by driving 20 or slower in places where the speed limit is 30. Of course, use your personal judgement and don’t do anything that would make you or others unsafe.
PS- If you were wondering, the reason behind choosing the date May 4 is:
5 x 4 = 20.
(January 20, February 10, April 5, and October 2 also fit the bill and shall also be properly observed as such.)
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