Homewood Starts Pace Car Program To Help Curb Speeding

HOMEWOOD, IL — In an effort to slow down drivers, the Village of Homewood is rolling out a new community-wide pace car program titled "Slow Your Roll."

"The pace car program is a powerful traffic-calming initiative with a goal to encourage drivers to be more aware of personal driving habits and set positive examples within the community," the Village said in a release.

The program asks residents of Homewood to make a commitment to slow down, follow speed limits, and reflect on their own driving habits. The pledge reminds drivers to respect other drivers and obey the speed limit on local roadways.

"The issue of speeding is a national issue and not isolated within Homewood. Bigger challenges require bigger solutions," said Village Manager Napoleon Haney. "So why not engage every resident in Homewood to assist in mitigating the issue of speeding?"

Residents can view and sign the Slow Your Roll pledge at various locations in Homewood such as Homewood Village Hall, Homewood Police Department, and GoodSpeed Cycles during regular business hours. The pledge includes ways to drive safer, such as putting your phone down while driving and adhering to all traffic laws. Slow Your Roll pledgers will make a $2.00 investment toward a Pace Car Program reflective car magnet to display their commitment to safer driving.

"Residents visiting me on Saturday mornings have often expressed their concern about traffic exceeding the speed limit. I share their concerns," said Mayor Rich Hofeld. "We have increased traffic patrols and have even added a special traffic enforcement unit that focuses on speeders on our roadways. This pace car program is a creative way to have our residents get involved by alerting drivers to drive the posted speed limit; after all, a pace car sets the pace."

Over the last several years, speeding has increased significantly across America. In Homewood alone, speeding citations have increased nearly 50 percent from 2021 to 2022, the Village said.

"Like everyone else, my driving is too easily influenced by drivers around me. I tend to 'keep up' with traffic," said Homewood resident Steve Buchtel. "Signing the pledge and displaying the magnet will make my driving more mindful. And on many Homewood streets, being more mindful in my driving will literally 'set the pace' for the drivers behind me. Not only do I become a safer, more considerate driver, but the quality of life in my neighborhood goes up as well. Where do I sign?"

For more information regarding Homewood’s Pace Car Program visit the website.