To Delaware Department of Transportation:
We, the undersigned residents and daily commuters of Delaware, are writing to express our collective concern regarding the recent speed limit reductions implemented along Route 1 from Dewey Beach to the Maryland state line. While we recognize the stated goal of improving safety, we believe these changes were implemented without adequate consideration of their impact on the local year-round community, and may actually create more dangerous conditions for the following reasons:
1. Inconsistent Speed Zones Create Dangerous Speed Differentials
The new configuration creates a confusing patchwork of varying speed zones along a major commuting route. Traffic safety research consistently demonstrates that speed differentials—not necessarily high speeds themselves—are a primary contributor to highway accidents. The frequent adjustments required between 55, 50, 45, and 35 mph zones creates unpredictable traffic flow, heightened driver frustration, and potentially dangerous passing situations as vehicles travel at significantly different speeds.
2. Decisions Influenced by Seasonal Interests Rather Than Year-Round Community Needs
We believe these changes were disproportionately influenced by special interest groups including seasonal residents, vacation property owners, bicycle shops, and tourism-focused businesses rather than the daily commuters who use Route 1 year-round. While the Coalition for a Safer North Bethany and similar advocacy groups have legitimate concerns, their perspective primarily represents seasonal usage patterns, not the daily reality of residents who commute on this corridor throughout the entire year.
3. Arbitrary Changes Without Clear Visual Indicators
The implemented speed limit changes often do not correspond to obvious visual cues in the road environment. Best practices in traffic engineering indicate that speed limits should be intuitive based on the road design and surrounding environment. When limits change without corresponding changes in lane width, shoulder size, or surrounding development density, drivers are less likely to naturally comply, creating a dangerous mix of compliant and non-compliant drivers.
4. Ineffective Solution for Stated Problems
The concerns about pedestrian and cyclist safety are valid, particularly during tourist season. However, arbitrary speed reductions across the entire corridor represent an oversimplified approach to a complex problem. These concerns would be better addressed through targeted infrastructure changes such as:
5. Increased Commuter Stress and Reduced Efficiency
For the thousands of Delaware residents who rely on this corridor for daily transportation, these changes have significantly increased stress levels and commute times. Constantly monitoring changing speed limits rather than focusing on actual road conditions diverts attention from potential hazards. The extended travel times impact productivity, fuel consumption, and quality of life for year-round residents.
6. Limited Public Input and Data Transparency
While community surveys were conducted, we question whether the impacts on daily commuters were adequately considered compared to the views of seasonal residents, tourism businesses, and bicycle advocates. Furthermore, DelDOT should provide a transparent presentation of before-and-after crash data to validate whether these specific interventions will achieve their intended goals and justify the disruption to the community.
We respectfully request that DelDOT reconsider this approach and instead:
We appreciate DelDOT's dedication to improving safety on our roadways. However, we believe solutions must be evidence-based, balanced between the needs of all stakeholders, and designed not to create unintended consequences that compromise safety and mobility for Delaware's year-round residents.
Thank you for your consideration. We welcome the opportunity for community representation in any future discussions regarding these important safety matters.
Sincerely,
[The undersigned community members of Delaware]