SMART Speed Control

SMART (Speed Monitoring Awareness Radar Trailer) is a roadside device which publicizes in digital letters the speed of approaching vehicles.

The effect of the SMART device is for a driver to slow down when he sees his speed. The idea behind SMART is to assume that motorists will control their own speed with only a little reminder. Speed control is almost entirely voluntary anyway. It's impossible to have police enforcement at all times. Posting the driver's speed lets him enforce it.

The experiences in Vermont with the SMART device has been positive. For example the City of South Burlington, Vermont, has found it to be very effective in making motorists aware of their speeds.

The Insurance Institute says that SMART is particularly effective in school zones, should be used intermittently at any one location.

Adapted from The Vermont Local Roads News, June 1996