Prioritizing Pedestrian and Driver Safety

The Municipality of San Francisco has completed a comprehensive project focused on enhancing road safety through the repainting and maintenance of its 114 speed reducers. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Infrastructure, aims to improve visibility and ensure drivers adhere to safe speeds in high-traffic areas.

A City-wide Effort: From Rosario de Santa Fe to Maipú Avenue

Starting earlier this year on Rosario de Santa Fe Avenue, the project systematically addressed speed reducers across the city, culminating with those located on Maipú Avenue.This widespread effort underscores the city’s commitment to consistent safety standards throughout its road network.

The meticulous Process Behind Enhanced Visibility

cristian Oggero, the signaling coordinator for the Ministry of Infrastructure, detailed the thorough process involved in the speed reducer demarcation. The approach ensures long-lasting visibility and effectiveness.

In the first instance, we thoroughly clean each speed reducer with a high-pressure hydrolavator to remove accumulated dirt, grease, and oil. Following this, we apply two coats of liquid road paint and then embed reflective glass beads to maximize nighttime visibility.
Cristian Oggero, Signaling Coordinator, Ministry of Infrastructure

This multi-stage process is crucial for maintaining the effectiveness of speed reducers, especially in areas with heavy traffic and varying light conditions.

Regular Maintenance: A Key to Sustained Safety

Recognizing the importance of ongoing maintenance, the municipality has committed to repainting the speed reducers every six months. this proactive approach ensures that the speed reducers remain highly visible and effective in slowing down traffic.

This allows them to remain visible to those who circulate through the streets of the city.
Cristian Oggero, Signaling Coordinator, ministry of infrastructure

Vertical Signage: Reinforcing Driver Awareness

Complementing the repainting efforts, the project also includes the maintenance and enhancement of vertical signage. These signs serve as crucial visual cues, alerting drivers to the presence of speed reducers and reminding them to reduce their speed.

Each speed reducer is equipped with vertical signs at either end, and additional signage is strategically placed in advance, indicating the upcoming speed reducer and advising a maximum speed of 20 km/h. The signs are treated with a yellow reflective liquid to ensure visibility at night,further enhancing driver awareness.

Strategic Placement for Maximum Impact

The speed reducers are strategically located in high-traffic areas throughout the city, including streets and avenues within various neighborhoods. This targeted placement ensures that the speed reducers effectively reduce vehicle speeds, contributing to a safer environment for both pedestrians and drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding has been a factor in nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities for more than two decades. Initiatives like San Francisco’s are crucial in combating this trend.