Posted in Car Accident,Personal Injury on February 13, 2017
Speeding Complaints Draw Attention, Enforcement of Hendersonville Police
Despite a posted 25 mph speed limit in the Stonecrest subdivision in Hendersonville, residents say that drivers frequently cruise through the area traveling at 40 to 45 mph, despite the neighborhood being full of children who are skateboarding or walking.
Per a report by WKRN.com, residents of the neighborhood brought up the issue with the Hendersonville Police Department, which has dispatched officers to watch the subdivision’s streets and issue speeding tickets.
The department first set up a traffic unit in the neighborhood on Wednesday, and a sergeant with the HPD says that many drivers were traveling at least 5-7 mph over the speed limit, with some traveling in the 40s.
However, he told reporters that after pulling over some of the drivers, he only wanted to chat with them about the importance of speed limits and educate them about the dangers of speeding.
He also said that while he normally doesn’t pull over drivers that are exceeding the speed limit by only one or two mph, he’ll do it if he feels it will enhance the safety of Hendersonville and its neighborhoods.
The sergeant said he will remain in the subdivision for the next two weeks to continue observing drivers and enforcing the speed limit.
Safety Tips for Driving in Residential Areas
Although the speed limits are lower and you may encounter fewer vehicles, it’s important to never let your guard down or go on “autopilot” when you’re driving through a neighborhood—even if it’s your own that you drive through every day. Neighborhoods and subdivisions can be unpredictable for drivers, and accidents can occur suddenly and without warning in places you least expect.
To safely drive through a residential area, do your best to follow these tips:
Neighborhoods often have low speed limits, with some as low as 10 mph. Always follow these speed limits. Doing so not only gives you plenty of time to react to potentially dangerous situations, but it also gives residents plenty of time to notice your vehicle approaching. If you don’t see any posted speed limit signs, maintain a steady but slow speed until you reach a road with signage.
Some neighborhoods have roads that aren’t properly divided with yellow or white lines. If that’s the case, be sure to stick to the right side of the roadway, especially when you round corners that may have limited visibility. It’s easy to drift into the middle of the roadway when lanes aren’t marked, but that can significantly increase your risk of being involved in an accident.
The number one thing to watch out for when driving in neighborhoods and subdivisions is pedestrians—especially small children. That’s why it’s so important to cautiously approach areas where your visibility is limited. Driveways that are partially or completely blocked due to fences, plants, and vehicles could have small children playing in them just feet from the roadway, so always be extra cautious when approaching these homes.
Driving in neighborhoods in the morning or early evening means encountering school buses. It’s important to know the rules for driving near them. Those rules include coming to a complete stop when children are entering or exiting, never passing, and staying several car lengths behind the bus.
Driving in residential areas, including neighborhoods and subdivisions, requires just as much of your caution and attention as driving on high-speed highways and interstates. In addition to the risk of hitting pedestrians, you also must be aware of the presence and movements of other vehicles while navigating tight turns and blind intersections. Giving these low-speed roadways your full attention and concentration is the best way to reduce your risk of being involved in an accident.
Were you or someone you know hurt in an accident in a residential area? If the accident was caused by a negligent driver, the Nashville auto accident attorneys at Matt Hardin Law may be able to help you recover compensation for your accident-related expenses. To find out how we can build a claim on your behalf, just dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form.
