The Seattle Department of Transportation recently reduced speed limits to 25 mph, resulting in a 22 percent decrease in crashes. In addition to reducing speed limits, the city increased speed limit sign frequency to 4 signs per mile. City officials conclude that speed limit signs have a huge impact on public safety, even without changes in enforcement, which disproportionately impacts Black people and other people of color. The city has received national recognition for its success, including from the National Association of City Transportation Officials, who released recommendations highlighting Seattle as national best practice to prevent crashes and safe lives.
You can read here for more about Seattle’s success and access the National Association of City Transportation recommendations here.