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Mobile speed trailers put brakes on drivers
(by Joan Demirjian - November 25, 2009)
Mobile speed trailers put brakes on drivers
By JOAN DEMIRJIAN
Speed trailers are rated a top tool to keep drivers within the posted speed limits, according to local police departments. The trailers show the speed of a vehicle as it approaches the device on the side of the road.
And the more people see the speed trailers, the more they want it in their neighborhoods, police said.
"People slow and respond positively to it," Russell Police Chief Timothy Carroll said.
He told Township Trustees at their meeting Nov. 18 that "everywhere we put it, people like it."
However, in some cases, they like to see how fast a speed the trailer will record. "But it does slow people down because it catches your speed," Mr. Carroll said.
Russell's machine was bought with a donation from residents Brock and Mark Milstein, he said.
"They said they appreciate the work the department does and wanted to do something nice," Mr. Carroll said.
The speed trailer is placed throughout the township, he said. "It really does slow people down."
It also collects data, including speed, times and traffic counts. "We use it every day. I have not gotten one complaint."
Chagrin Falls Chief James Brosius said the department has used a speed trailer since 1995. Chagrin Falls also has two portable devices placed around the village.
"People request them all the time," he said. Residents call and ask the department to use them in their neighborhoods for speed awareness, he said.
"It makes you look at your speedometer, check it and slow down," Mr. Brosius said.
"I'd like to have more," he said. "Hopefully, we can get it with grants."
In the Safe Routes to School program being planned for the Chagrin Falls School District, four of the speed trailers are being sought in the grant funding, he said.
The data shows the time when most of the speeding takes place, so an officer can be in the area, Mr. Brosius said.
Bainbridge Police Chief James Jimison said his department has an older model. At 12 years old, they may be looking at purchasing a new one.
"It's very good to have, and if nothing else, it's a reminder," Mr. Jimison said.
"You can see people hitting their brakes," he said. It creates the "halo effect," he said. "It makes an impression."
The trailer is put up in one location and then three or four days later, they run radar. "It's a good tool to have," he said.
It is moved around the township, and "people ask for it to slow traffic in their neighborhoods," Mr. Jimison said.
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