Traffic Signs Find Speed A Problem

While speeding is a general problem on the road, the signs set up to collect data through a grant have been making some impacts on speeders coming through Glasgow. Glasgow Police Chief Bruce Barstad explained that the data collected has helped officers target certain times of the day, and understand how many vehicles are moving through Glasgow in a day.

On average, around 10,400 vehicles are traveling along Highway 2. Data collected from June 17-24 shows that speeds as high as 75 mph, and as low as 15 mph were recorded. With the majority of drivers averaging right around the speed limit. Busier times during the days start around 7 a.m. and continue to be busy until 7 p.m.

While a part of the point of posting the signs is to collect data, it's also to help slow drivers down as they come through Glasgow. An extra sign was also placed near the Glasgow Swimming Pool, where the speed limit is 15 mph to help protect children and pedestrians who might be utilizing the park, Glasgow Civic Center, or the pool.

Barstad explained that the sign by the fairgrounds is a much more accurate reading of traffic coming into town. They've seen speeds decrease in the time the signs were first placed. He said extra patrols have also been taking place during peak hours to help slow people down. With an impact showing Barstad said it showed that the local residents are becoming educated on the speed limits.

Another interesting development is that Barstad has begun to track Bakken related traffic. As he pulls drivers over, he makes a mark on the tickets to try and get a better understanding on how traffic from the oil fields might be affecting the local area. He's been trying to get other officers to do the same to help document the impact. He has noticed a trend of out-of-county and out-of-state speeders coming through town.