Research Papers (2009 – 2013)

Filename 2A-Janet-Barlow.pdf
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Date added May 1, 2014
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Category 2011 CMRSC XXI Halifax
Tags Session 2A
Author/Auteur Janet Barlow, Margot Metcalfe, Meghan P. Provost

Abstract

The Pace Car program has been introduced in Canadian communities as a community-driven initiative meant to reduce speeding, calm traffic and increase road safety in a community. The purpose of this program is to have a critical mass of drivers on the roads that pledge to drive no faster than the speed limit, acting as “mobile speed bumps” with the goal of increasing safety for other road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists. In addition, Pace Car drivers attach decals to their vehicles to inform others about the program, and the drivers’ role in it. The program has not yet been evaluated on either its ability to decrease average speed or its safety effects. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the potential of the Pace Car program as a user-driven traffic calming initiative, using survey data from Pace Car drivers, and archival speed and collision data. Though the Pace Car program appears to be a promising way to actively empower drivers to be responsible for road safety in their community, preliminary quantitative data are limited and further research is required.

Janet Barlow, Margot Metcalfe, Meghan P. Provost