Crash rates on horizontal curves are often higher than those on tangent 
sections and speeding is often cited as a contributing factor. FHWA has initiated a national study to evaluate speed reduction technologies on rural horizontal curves using over 20 dynamic speed activated signs which are permanently installed at locations across the U.S. The effectiveness of these signs in reducing speed and crashes along rural horizontal curves will be evaluated over a two year period. The goal is to provide traffic safety engineers and other professionals with additional tools to more effectively manage speeds and decrease crashes on horizontal curves on rural roadways.
The FHWA research effort is being led by the Center for Transportation Research and Education (CTRE) at Iowa State University (ISU). Two styles of signs are currently being installed within the states of Washington, Arizona, Iowa, and Florida, with several other states to follow.
Traffic Logix radar speed signs are one of two styles of signs selected for the project. “The Traffic Logix signs have been easy to install and set-up operationally for our research needs,” said Neal Hawkins, the Associate Director of Traffic Operations at CTRE.
