BMJ: 20MPH Zones Reduce Injuries by 40%
Discussion
Effect of 20 mph traffic speed zones on road injuries in London, 1986-2006: controlled interrupted time series analysis
New research published in the British Medical Journal seems to indicate that the introduction of 20MPH zones in residential areas is an effective method of reducing injury rates.
As usual, I'm leery of the headline figure of "40%", because I dislike relative risk figures. I prefer that the actual numbers be used.
New research published in the British Medical Journal seems to indicate that the introduction of 20MPH zones in residential areas is an effective method of reducing injury rates.
As usual, I'm leery of the headline figure of "40%", because I dislike relative risk figures. I prefer that the actual numbers be used.
Why on earth do you need research to establish that reducing the speed limit to 20 mph will reduce injuries - it's a simple physics. Push it down to 15mph injuries will go down more, even further if to 10 mph and probably none if stationary. Perhaps at the end of the day we have to establish how many people we are prepared to kill and injure on the roads every year and set the speed limit accordingly - that is if, of course, it's all about speed and we all know it isn't
One interesting point I gleaned was that 20MPH zones don't reduce the frequency of collisions.
My preferred methodology for dealing with road safety is to stop people crashing in the first place, rather than merely mitigating the outcome of crashes, which is what a 20MPH zone apparently does.
My preferred methodology for dealing with road safety is to stop people crashing in the first place, rather than merely mitigating the outcome of crashes, which is what a 20MPH zone apparently does.
One would expect that a lower speed limit would reduce collisions and injuries, should a collision occur, Perhaps at lower speeds people are less attentive, lulled by a false sense of security associated with the reduced speed. I am sure I am guilty of this, if I am driving quickly, what I would consider as fast as is safely possible I am totally committed to driving, alert (hopefully) to all dangers. If a speed limit forces me to drive slower I tend to switch off, or go on to automatic pilot, while listening to the radio or talking to my passenger.
The news report I heard earlier this morning on this said 'it has been proven to save 40% of children's lives' !!!!????
Does this mean for other members of the populace, ie the elderly, visually-sighted, dumb, etc there is a different conclusion?
Bl**dy statistics!
Bl**dy nanny state!
Does this mean for other members of the populace, ie the elderly, visually-sighted, dumb, etc there is a different conclusion?
Bl**dy statistics!
Bl**dy nanny state!
sanity in a world of madness!Gassing Station | Motoring News | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff