Cleveland is stepping up to make its streets safer and prevent serious and fatal car accidents. After years of concerns over reckless driving and speeding in busy neighborhoods, the city’s Speed Table Program has reached a major milestone. With the installation of its 100th speed table in the Clark-Fulton area, Cleveland is doubling down on efforts to slow down dangerous drivers and protect pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers.
According to Cleveland city officials and residents, the speed tables are working. Now, Cleveland plans to expand the program by installing at least 100 more speed tables across the city. This next phase will focus on slowing traffic in vulnerable areas and making Cleveland’s streets safer for everyone.
The Speed Table Program is funded by the Back-to-Basics Capital Fund and the city’s $30 million allocation from the American Rescue Plan Act. This funding covers construction, materials, and the data analysis needed to place speed tables where they’ll make the greatest impact. So far, this investment has paid off, and Cleveland is committed to expanding the program to protect more neighborhoods.
Why did Cleveland start using speed tables?
Speeding is a serious safety issue in cities across the country, and Cleveland is no exception. In 2022 alone, speeding caused 12,151 deaths in the United States, which accounts for nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities. Cleveland responded to this danger by launching the Speed Table Program, a targeted effort to slow traffic in high-risk areas.
Unlike traditional speed bumps, speed tables are wider and have a flat top, creating a smooth rise that forces drivers to slow down without causing discomfort. These tables discourage speeding while keeping traffic moving safely.
City officials placed the first 100 speed tables in pedestrian-heavy neighborhoods, moderate traffic zones, and areas with a 25 mph speed limit. For example, the South Collinwood Waterloo Arts District saw immediate results. Business owners and lifelong residents, who once feared for their safety, now feel relief.
"They need these warnings. Yeah. They need these. Slow the f*** down! Excuse my language," said Daniel James Woyton, a South Collinwood business owner. "Speed limit. They don't get over 30 miles per hour. And it does work. Definitely works. 100%."
Do speed tables really make a difference?
The data speaks for itself. Cleveland’s Senior Strategist for Transit and Mobility, Calley Mersmann, confirmed that the speed tables have reduced vehicle speeds by nearly 8 mph in key areas. This drop in speed has a direct impact on safety. Research shows that even a 1 mph reduction in speed can lower fatal crash rates by 6%.
Slower traffic means fewer car accidents, less severe injuries, and more time for drivers to react to unexpected hazards. While some residents have complained about noise from trucks crossing the tables, most agree the trade-off is worth it.
What’s next for the speed table program?
Encouraged by the program’s success, Cleveland is moving into the next phase. The city will install at least 100 more speed tables, with a focus on neighborhoods where residents have reported safety concerns. Officials will use community feedback and traffic data to decide where these new tables will go. The next round of installations is scheduled for the summer and fall, which gives more neighborhoods the chance to experience safer streets.
"We're working our way through all of the requests we have gotten in and using that to inform our program and a list for next summer," said Mersmann.
The success of the Speed Table Program depends on community involvement. Cleveland encourages residents to report dangerous streets by calling 311 or submitting requests online. This partnership between the city and its residents ensures that the program targets areas where speeding poses the greatest risk.
Why do drivers speed in the first place?
Speeding isn’t just about breaking the rules; it’s often driven by frustration and bad habits. Traffic congestion can make drivers impatient and push them to speed up when the road clears. Many drivers race through neighborhoods because they’re running late. Others feel disconnected from their surroundings behind the wheel and are willing to take unnecessary risks.
For some, speeding is a regular behavior fueled by a disregard for traffic laws and the safety of others. Speed tables directly address this problem by forcing drivers to slow down consistently. Their strategic placement prevents drivers from speeding up between tables.
Our Cleveland car accident attorneys fight for crash victims
If you were injured in a car accident in Ohio, you need a legal team that will fight for your rights and work tirelessly to get the compensation you deserve. The attorneys at Merriman Legal, LLC have a proven track record of holding reckless drivers accountable. We’ve recovered major settlements for clients, including a $1.2 million settlement for a victim severely injured by a speeding driver.
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Our Cleveland law firm handles speed-related car accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case. If they refuse to offer a fair settlement, we are fully prepared to take your case to court to fight for every dollar you deserve.
Don’t wait—contact us today and schedule a free, no-obligation case consultation. We will listen to your story, explain your legal options, and outline a strategy to pursue full and fair compensation for your losses.
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