In a recent meeting with Tom Mattson of Eureka Public Works, the speed trailer was recommended as a great multifaceted traffic calming device. Now, I thought this was an obvious choice as a quick and low-cost solution because the City just had to drag one out to a problem stretch of road and turn the thing on. Boy did I learn different. NOT ONLY does a speed trailer show people how much faster over the speed limit they're going, it will also sit there appearing 'off' to passing drivers for days when first set at a location and be taking important data on speed and time of day to be reported to California Highway Patrol. In fact, speed trailers are an easy way to collect the data necessary to enlist CHP to patrol local neighborhoods. After the speed trailer collects data on problematic times of day and repeat offenders CHP will respond by parking a patrol car to start doling out tickets. All the while the trailer has been turned on and active traffic calming is in place as drivers respond to the flashing numbers indicating a violation of the speed limit.

Now, of course, the trailer and CHP can't sit out there and take care of that street forever. They're also needed in other neighborhoods. But before new striping can be laid or street upgrades built or, in many cases, afforded, speed trailers are a great way to tackle the immediate problem quickly and effectively. You might also wonder after passing the next “inactive” speed trailer: Which kind of statistic am I?