Pace Car Program wants You!

• The Neighborhood Pace Car Program (NPCP) is for people who care about their neighborhood and who are willing to lead by example by driving the speed limit.
  • NPCP is for people who want to help make DC a better and safer place to live and raise families. These are people are are willing to be part of a solution!
  • NPCP is for people who are willing to set a good example of what a courteous driver is, without deliberately angering or punishing other drivers.
  • NPCP is for people who understand that the police cannot be expected to solve all traffic problems. These are people who know that each driver is responsible for his or her own driving habits.
  

BENEFITS FOR DRIVERS & THE COMMUNITY!

• Less road aggression and frustration — When drivers allow themselves enough travel time so they’re not in a hurry, they are much less aggressive and create much less tension on the roadway. With less speed and tension, we can share the streets much more safely.
  • Slower traffic is safer — for people walking and cycling, for children and the elderly, and even for other drivers. As a vehicle travels more slowly, the driver and all other road users are given more time for courtesy and safety.
  • Better chance of survival in the case of an incident! A little extra speed can mean the difference between life and death for a cyclist or pedestrian struck by a vehicle. A person hit by a vehicle traveling at 25mph has a 90% chance of surviving; at 40mph, a person has a 90% of dying. Let’s remove this critical risk from the streets we share.
  • As the average speed slows and drivers show increased awareness of the general streetscape, more people will be encouraged to walk or bike for health, fitness and transportation.
  • Street safety is a key element towards making a community truly “livable,” and the end result will be a city that is a safer, more pleasant to live in, work in and travel in!

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my car really make a difference?
Yes. Only a small percentage of vehicles acting as Pace Cars will slow traffic. This starts a positive cycle. People feel more comfortable walking or cycling, which reduces traffic levels, making streets even safer, meaning even more people can walk or cycle.

Does “speeding” get me there faster?
No! Average city speed is 13mph whether a driver speeds or drives within the speed limit! What a relief to know that we can drive at a safe speed and get “there” just as fast!

Does the Pace Car provoke road rage?
No. Many people who sign up for the Pace Car Program already drive within the speed limit.They report that incidents of road rage decrease when they badge their cars as Pace Cars. The Pace Car sticker credentials your car, explaining to following motorists that there is a reason for your courtesy and safe driving speed.

What happens if I accidentally speed?
Take a breath and slow down. The Pace Car pledge is a declaration of intent, not a legally binding contract. Kicking the speeding habit can be hard work. Allow yourself more time to get places so you won’t be so tempted to speed.

Contact Us

Washington Area Bicyclist Association
pacecar@waba.org
Phone: 202.518.0524
Fax: 202.518.0936

1803 Connecticut Ave, NW, 3rd Floor
Washington, DC 20009

WABA is pleased to partner with DDOT in this very important community safety project.