Ever Wonder How Speed Limits Are Determined In Clark County?
laTake one drive down Cactus Avenue west of Interstate 15 and you’re baffled to see the signs. “Speed Limit 35”. Sure, you’ve been on two lane roads that have a 45 mile per hour speed limit, but how did this road get the lower end? Turns out there is a method to the madness of speed limits in Clark County.
The county (and many other jurisdictions) released their methodology behind how they determine speed limits. It all comes down to the 85th percentile. Yes, get ready for some simple math.
Here’s how Clark County determines speed limits on roads
Say 100 cars go down the road. What is the maximum speed that 85 percent of the drivers are bound to be at or below? There’s your speed limit, at least if the county is to be believed. The methodology considers the fact that 15 percent of drivers are boneheads and will travel at more dangerous speeds.
It’s shocking that the methodology doesn’t turn the 215 into a 75 mph road, given how people blatantly disrespect the speed limits.
However, they don’t consider only that.
How many driveways are coming off the road? How much traffic does the road handle? Is the road 2, 3 or more lanes wide? How wide is the road? These are all things that are also taken into account before the signs are posted.
There isn’t a study done for every road in the valley. Instead, they’ve averaged it out to a general rule of thumb.
- Arterials (just below highways, major roads) are 45 miles per hour.
- Collectors (just below arterials, somewhere in between neighborhood streets and arterials) are 35 miles per hour.
- Other streets (your subdivision) are 25 miles per hour.
This certainly doesn’t explain why Cactus Avenue is 35 miles per hour. Pretty clearly an arterial road. Hey, Clark County, maybe look into that, will ya?
Is there someone to talk to if you think there’s a problem with a posted speed limit?
You can tweet about it (X about it?), but that will get you nowhere. Instead, think about contacting the Clark County Department Of Public Works, Traffic Management Division. Their email is InTheWorks@ClarkCountyNV.com. A decent place to start for speed limits, mistimed traffic lights and more. Just make sure you’re nice.
The Rise Of Car Theft: Five Tips To Keep Your Ride Safe
5) Lock It Up
Seems simple enough, right? But you’d be surprised how many people forget this step. Make sure your car is locked every time you exit it. And always double-check before walking away. Leaving your car unlocked is an open invitation to potential thieves.
4) Don't Leave Valuables In Plain Sight
We’ve all done it. Running into the store to grab just a few things and leaving our purse or laptop on the passenger seat. But this is just asking for trouble. Leaving any valuables in plain sight, even for just a few minutes, is an open invitation for thieves. Put them in the trunk or take them with you.
3) Park In Safe Areas
When parking, try to choose well-lit and populated areas. This will help deter anyone who may be lurking around looking for an opportunity to steal your vehicle. And if you’re parking at home, make sure to keep your garage door closed and locked.
2) Get A Car Alarm
Car alarms may seem like a nuisance, but they’re a great deterrent to thieves. Make sure to get a quality alarm that includes a loud siren and flashing lights. The commotion that it creates can be enough to make a thief think twice before attempting to steal your vehicle.
1) Use A Steering Wheel Lock
Steering wheel locks, also known as club locks, are a simple yet effective way to prevent car theft. These locks work by locking the steering wheel in place, making it nearly impossible to move the car. And most importantly, they can’t be removed without the key.
