HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997 IRD Traffic Watch Group News Letter y
INDIAN RIVER DRIVE
TRAFFIC WATCH GROUP
NORTH COUNTY
February 21, 1997
NEWS LETTER
Indian River Traffic Watch Group was initiated in July 1993 with the purpose of trying to
slow down speeding and reduce those hazards involved.
THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT IS 30 MPH
The average traffic per 24 hour day is about 2000 units.
Below listed are results from the groups efforts.
All results and reports are taken from monitoring by the traffic engineering and coordinating
divisions of the Public Works Dept, a Dept of the County Commissioners.
Those results are:
1. Double lining has been re-engineered and newly painted for good visibility.
2. 30 MPH speed limit signs brought up to code. There were 9 in 1993. Today there are
16.
3. "Speeding Fines" signs posted on north part and south end of the Drive.
SPEED REDUCTION
In 1993 there were 18%or 360 units exceeding 40 MPH
In 1994 there were 16%or 320 units exceeding 40 MPH
In 1995 there were 14%or 280 units exceeding 40 MPH
In 1996 there were 91/2%or 190 units exceeding 40 MPH
The installation of the "SPEEDING FINES" signs has, as noted, had a significant impact
on speed reduction.
The reduction of 360 units to 190 units over the 4 year period does symbolize the efforts
of those associates involved to achieve such results.
A request has been made to the City of Sebastian for an additional "SPEEDING FINES"
sign to be placed on the drive to inform those Northbound drivers entering I.R.D.from Fellsmere
Road. Approval has not yet been granted.
It appears that all avenues for speed reduction have been explored except for a
STRONGER law enforcement.
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Recently D/S William Moore and D/S Joseph Parrish have been dispatched to the area
covering Indian River Drive on the 6am to 6pm shift.
Sgt. David Cuddie has dispatched D/S George Benson to the 6pm to 6am shift. Officer
Benson's radar will be installed in his car about Mar 1. D/S Anthony Mongelli may also be
dispatched to the Indian River Drive area.
Because of the present work load in the county,the time spent on I.R.D. by those deputies
is not up to what we would like but, when our turn comes, their performance is seen to be very
good.
In June of 1996 the I.R.D. Sheriffs Dept. asked for an increase in their budget to hire 12
new deputies, 12 new patrol cars with accompanying equipment. And other enforcement items.
THIS REQUEST WAS NOT APPROVED AS OF THIS DATE. However Sheriff Gary Wheeler
states in the June '96 Press Journal article that manpower in the department will increase. It is
hoped then that the time spent on I.R.D.,by those officers dispatched ed to this area,will also increase.
The "SPEEDING FINES" signs has had a definite impact on speed reduction on I.R.D. as is
noted above.
Credence is given to D/S Teddy Floyd from the C.O.P.E.unit of the I.R.C. Sheriffs Dept.
This project was initiated and persued by D/S Floyd with the nod of approval by Sgt.
Carson Coakley. With our Traffic Watch Group furnishing the necessary legwork to bring the
project to conclusion.
Approval of the sign size, configuration and format was given by the Indian River
County Traffic Dept, Christopher Mora, Traffic Engineer.
The cost of the two signs was $200. Donated by 2 of the many concerned associates,
both of Indian River Drive.
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