NEWS 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 21, 2002 MEDIA CONTACT: Jack Witthaus - (408) 730-7330 Linda Bagneschi (408) 730-7476

Signs Aim to Slow Speeders 

Sunnyvale, CA (3/21/02)- The City of Sunnyvale is implemented a new program to discourage drivers from speeding down residential streets.  Borrowing from Redwood City, special signs with messages aimed at slowing cars are being installed on streets with chronic speeding problems.  These will be augmented over the next year with radar speed signs and trailers, and enforcement of speeding laws.

Jack Witthaus, Transportation and Traffic Manager for Sunnyvale, said “Speeding is one of the most common complaints we receive. Redwood City proved that this approach works, and I believe in building upon success.” Sign messages include sayings such as “Speeding Kills” and “Speeders are Losers,” and prominently advertise the cost of speeding tickets.  Research suggests that drivers are motivated by knowing the financial penalties of bad driving.  The unique messages serve as attention-getters. 

The new signs will be installed in residential streets that receive the most speeding complaints.  Signs will be rotated occasionally to “freshen” the message.  The City will study the effectiveness of the program over the next six months, and then may consider further expansion.