Slowing Down to Save Lives: Orange County’s Approach to Safer Streets

Slowing Down to Save Lives: Orange County's Approach to Safer Streets

Orange County neighborhoods are getting quieter, calmer - and safer - thanks to the use of innovative traffic calming devices aimed at protecting pedestrians and improving quality of life.

From raised crosswalks to mini roundabouts, these infrastructure upgrades are part of Orange County Public Works' broader effort to reduce crashes and create safer streets under the $100 million Accelerated Transportation Safety Program.

"Residents genuinely care about the safety and livability of their neighborhoods," said Jerald Marks, Jr., project manager for Orange County Public Works. "When cars speed through areas where kids are playing and neighbors are out walking, it raises serious concerns - and we hear about it."

In 2023, the County received 142 traffic calming requests. In 2024, it received 122 - and this year is on pace to surpass both. In response, Public Works has deployed a variety of tools to slow traffic and address unsafe conditions. These include:

• Speed cushions and speed tables
• Mini roundabouts and traffic circles
• Radar speed feedback signs
• Raised crosswalks and intersections
• Painted pavement messages

These devices reduce speeding, help prevent crashes and make streets feel safer for everyone, and Orange County is seeing results. Speed cushions alone reduce driving speeds by 20-25 percent on average. Raised crosswalks and radar signs increase driver awareness and protect pedestrians and cyclists - especially in areas with heavy foot traffic.

Installing a traffic calming device starts with a resident request - often through 311 or a County Commissioner's office. Once a request is received, Public Works staff conduct a traffic study. If the area qualifies, ballots are mailed to nearby property owners. A minimum 66 percent approval is required for the project to move forward.

A community-driven process, it also reflects the County's strategic planning, as each proposed project is evaluated using the 4 E's framework: Engineering, Enforcement, Emergency Services and Education.

"Traffic calming isn't just about slowing cars down," explained Marks. "It's about finding a solution that works for everyone who uses the street - residents, emergency vehicles, sanitation trucks and school buses alike."

While costs vary, most devices are cost-effective and require minimal maintenance. Speed cushions, for instance, cost between $5,000 to $7,000, while raised intersections can cost up to $35,000 - a small price to pay for safer streets.

"These tools align perfectly with the goals of the County's Accelerated Transportation Safety Program," said Marks. "They're fast to implement, less expensive than major infrastructure changes, and, most importantly, they save lives."

With continued investment and strong community support, Orange County plans to expand these efforts - one street, and one solution, at a time.

To learn more, visit the Accelerated Transportation Safety Program.