We, the undersigned, believe it is time for Maine to take strong, decisive action to protect the lives of all road users, but especially the most vulnerable, including cyclists, walkers, users of mobility aids, and other people not in the protective shell of a car or truck. We need to slow automobile traffic down.  

The facts are clear. The likelihood of a pedestrian dying in a collision with a car increases with every mph faster the car travels. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic, at 25 miles per hour (mph) there is a 12% chance of death, but at 30 mph it increases to 25%, and 45 mph means a 52% chance of death.

It’s time to slow Maine down.

I support:

1) A new social norm for drivers in Maine that makes it acceptable to drive at or below the speed limit to protect all road users in residential and business contexts.  

2) Cities, towns, and state departments designing roadways with narrower travel lanes, more raised crosswalks, and other features that make it less comfortable for drivers to exceed speed limits.

3) More local street speed-reduction actions, including traffic-calming installations.
 
Let’s work together to make our public ways safer for everyone.

Sincerely,