Why Do Radar Speed Signs Work?

The Science Behind A Radar Speed Sign’s Ability to Change Driver Behavior

Feedback Loops have been a topic of study and widely acknowledged as a powerful method for promoting behavioral changes. As per Wired.com, driver feedback signs prove to be useful because of the Feedback Loops principle that suggests providing individuals with real-time information about their actions and giving them a chance to modify those actions to promote positive behavior. The principle of Feedback Loops can be summarized as “Action, information, reaction,” which propels individuals towards better actions.

Here’s how Radarsign driver feedback radar signs can have a profound effect on driver behavior.

According to RoadtripAmerica.com, inattentive drivers are the leading cause of collisions, with “driving on autopilot” or “highway hypnosis” being the key contributing factor. In a Churchill Insurance study on driving habits, it was revealed that drivers make an average of eight trips on familiar routes each week, with 46% of drivers admitting to having no recollection of how they arrived at their destination while on these routes. Radar Sign Driver Feedback Signs can significantly impact driver behavior by addressing the issue of inattention caused by familiarity.

In addition to revealing that drivers on autopilot often speed (25%), brake too late, and fail to stop at pedestrian crossings due to lack of attention, the Churchill Insurance study identified the top autopilot journeys as the daily commute (43%), shopping (16%), and motorway driving (15%). The study also highlighted that 7% of drivers are most likely to switch to autopilot mode while doing the school run, an area where speeding risks are particularly high.

Understanding how the brain works can explain the findings and help identify solutions to improve traffic safety. At its basic level, the human brain – as an electrochemical organ – produces three types of brain waves that have an impact on driver behavior, each reflecting specific levels of the awake brain:

  • Beta waves reflect a strongly engaged mind, active in conversation or debate.
  • Alpha waves reflect a state of rest or relaxation (e.g. a break from work to take a walk in a garden).
  • Theta waves reflect a state of functional daydream – the ability to complete repetitious or habitual tasks, such as driving to and from work.

Converting a driver’s brain activity from a Theta “autopilot” state to a Beta “engaged” state requires a trigger.. that is, an event or interruption that is identified by the Reticular Activator (RA). The RA is the ignition part of the brain, on alert, searching and categorizing all sensory input into categories such as familiar/connected, unusual/shocking/strange, or dangerous/threatening/problematic. Once the RA — which also controls the transition between different states — is triggered by something unfamiliar, problematic or dangerous, the brain instantly converts from Theta to Beta.

Radar Speed Signs as Reticular Activators

why do speed radar signs work

Why Do Radar Speed Signs Work? Radar speed signs placed at strategic locations can act as stimuli, triggering the Reticular Activating System (RAS) to recognize possible “hazards” and shift the driver’s brain waves from Theta to Beta. As an integral component of a comprehensive traffic management plan in regions designated as 1) “familiar routes” with 2) a high likelihood of pedestrian traffic, radar speed signs can prompt drivers to be alert and cautious.

In Theta mode, drivers see speed limit signs as usual and familiar, but can be prompted into Beta mode by something unusual AND problematic, such as a flashing radar speed sign that indicates high speed. Once engaged, the driver is alert, paying attention and slowing the vehicle to a safer speed.

An independent speed study conducted by the City of Bellevue [Wash.] Transportation Department found that at ten locations — where radar driver feedback signs had been installed for six or more years — the speed reduction effectiveness continued to increase over time: 60% of drivers reduced speed by 10 mph.

Radar sign data also confirms a consistent five mph reduction in average speeds and a 62% reduction in the number of drivers who speed more than five mph above the speed limit. More than two years after installation, data indicates a long-term shift in driver behavior (Alpharetta, GA location — comparing week 1 data with week 109 data).  Compare our Radar Speed Signs.