Work has started on installing new smiley face speed indicator signs at high-risk school zones across Western Australia.
The signs are part of the State Government’s $80 million Road Safety Reform Package.
During the first week of school, WA Police detected 2,700 drivers speeding in school zones during a statewide enforcement blitz.
The Road Safety Commission is installing a total of 100 speed indicator signs that will be rolled out progressively this year. The signs are designed to encourage drivers to slow down and improve safety around schools.
Road Safety Commissioner Adrian Warner said it was critical that drivers slow down and pay attention when approaching a school zone.
“School zones should be one of the safest places on our roads, but the results of a recent police crackdown are alarming with far too many drivers ignoring the 40km/h limit,” he said.
“These speed indicator devices provide an instant visual reminder to drivers, because we know that even a small reduction in speed can make a big difference in saving a child’s life.”
The signs provide instant feedback to drivers. If a vehicle is travelling over the speed limit, a warning appears. If the driver is within the limit, a green smiley face is displayed. Studies show these warnings prompt speeding drivers to slow down in 80 per cent of cases.
In addition to encouraging safer driving, the devices collect real-time speed data to help improve future road safety planning.
