All Radar Speed Signs have the same objective of reducing speeding. The traffic calming effect is optimized by the following factors. Please note that the quality of these features vary greatly from one company / product to another.
- The radar’s detection range
- The quality of the display for optimized visibility
- The additional features which help enhance driver awareness.
It has been proven, that the longer a driver is confronted with their speed, the more effective the radar will be at getting them to slow down. Therefore, a radar’s efficiency is dependent on the detection range of the radar and on the distance of the display’s visibility / legibility.
Basic Radar Speed Signs have a detection range of less than 300ft, whereas the Evolis can detect a vehicle approaching at over 800ft! But once the vehicle is detected, the thickness and brightness of the LEDs on the speed display will determine the legibility of the digits. The majority of Radar Speed Signs have one row of LEDs but the Evolis Radar Speed Sign boasts three rows, of ultra-bright LEDs for a legibility of over 600ft!
Unlike other models, the Evolis augments the driver’s awareness by featuring three colors on the speed display, to trigger a psychological response through color association. Green: Good! Amber: Caution. Red: Danger! (Depending on your DOT’s regulations, this feature can be configured to display amber only). So even if a car is detected by the radar at over 800ft, the driver may not be able to read the digits at first, but they will have an emotional response to the color displayed and this will help with their behavior adjustment.
Another powerful feature the Evolis Radar Speed Sign includes, is the simultaneous display of text messages associated with the displayed speed, to help reinforce driver awareness. The messages are pre-programmed to display “THANK YOU,” “SLOW DOWN,” and “TOO FAST” in association with the driver’s speed in accordance to the set speed limit. These messages are updated, like the speed display, every second, in reaction to the driver’s change of speed. The messages are also, entirely programmable and can be personalized to the administrator’s preferences. Some police departments have found that displaying a ticket price simulation message to coincide with speeding, dramatically reduces the driver’s speed, example: “FINE $175!” (Depending on your DOT’s regulations, this feature can be turned off, or another Evolis model could be recommended, just ask your sales representative for details).