Traffic Islands May Help Slow Down Speeding in Dallas: Study

Dallas has been renowned among US cities for its culture and food, but according to recent statistics, it has been deemed the most dangerous city to drive in. Nevertheless, City Council member Chad West has asked local staff to research ways to improve the roads’ safety for Dallas’ residents. The results from the study revealed a compelling solution: a traffic island.

District 1’s West expressed during an email interview with the Observer that traffic calming is an issue he feels passionately about. He requested further information on the topic after noticing many traffic islands in Portland and Denton. Staff was asked to initiate a demonstration project in the Winnetka Heights historic district to tackle the speeding issue on Edgefield Avenue.

The results of the study, which aimed to address the speeding issue, demonstrate a 2 mph average decrease in velocity, from 25mph to 23mph. Despite the relatively small velocity decrease, the number of speeders was significantly reduced from 16% to 9.5%. Neighbors will also have the chance to consult and decide if they wish to make a permanent traffic island on their street.

Since the pandemic began, a growing number of Dallas residents have started working from home, further realizing that the roads have become relatively unsafe, even during the workday. Council member Chad West has received countless concerns from residents who believe it is dangerous for their children to ride bikes or jog in the streets.

Unfortunately, Edgefield Avenue is a safety emergency route, hindering the implementation of traditional speed bumps as they obstruct emergency vehicles’ response time. Nevertheless, the introduction of traffic islands appears to be a viable solution. West emphasizes that while traffic islands are relatively cheap, decorative and colorful crosswalks are another viable option.

Dallas resident Jordan Gooch, who lives on the corner of Edgefield and Ninth Street, believes that the temporary island helped in reducing the number of speeding cars. Previous to the island, there was nothing present to slow down any driver. “It concerns him when cars zoom by at 30 mph, particularly given that he has a young son.”

While the traffic circle idea may not be a perfect solution, it appears to be more efficient at slowing down drivers than conventional stop signs. Gooch remains hopeful that the city may find a way to improve on the implementation of traffic islands throughout Dallas.

Council member Chad West believes it is incumbent upon citizens to act where the police may not. The police have finite resources that are needed elsewhere, and it is up to citizens to take personal responsibility by implementing traffic calming measures where they deem it necessary.