PPHD gift may increase mindful motorists

Kimball just received a gift that may keep on giving – drivers a real look at how fast they are going, that is.

The Panhandle Public Health District sent a speed indicator to the City of Kimball last week with the expectation that, once aware of their speed, drivers will slow down for pedestrians and bicyclists.

"We met with them about three weeks ago and they had some money to spend," City Administrator Dan Dean said. "The group thought about a couple of things.

The gift was sent following a recent survey, conducted by the Kimball Active Living Advisory Committee, that indicated citizens would be more likely to walk or bike through the community if sidewalks and trails were safer.

"Did not cost Kimball a penny," Mayor Keith Prunty said. "It is just for drivers to see how fast they are going compared to the limit."

The speed indicator will not be used for enforcement, according to Prunty.

"This will just help drivers be more mindful of their speed and slow traffic down," Dean added. "There will also be some trail signs out as well to help them be mindful of pedestrians and bicyclists."

The indicator will be moved around town, mounted to various posts, in areas where speed limits are more often disregarded – intentionally or otherwise. These areas include around City Park, particularly Oak St., Washington and Nadine Streets, Highway 71 northbound coming into the city, according to Dean.

"Ideally we will put it directly beneath the speed limit sign," he said.

The unit is battery powered and was delivered with an extra set of rechargeable batteries and two mounting brackets.