What is a Neighborhood Pace Car?
A Pace Car is a car
whose driver has signed a pledge to obey all City of Columbus traffic laws, posted
speed limits, and to be courteous of other road users. A Pace Car driver takes
into consideration the impact of his or her choices on others when driving.
How can I become a Pace Car Driver?
You must be a Columbus
resident to participate. Just fill out the registration form and pledge either
online or by mail – there is no program fee.
We’ll send you a vinyl static cling decal. Display the decal in the rear
window of your car to let others know that you obey all local traffic laws and
posted speed limits.
We have multiple cars. Can I get multiple decals?
If there is another driver in the house, we can give you an extra pledge form so they can sign it. Each signed pledge will receive a decal and there is a limit of one pledge per person. We want to make sure there's a Pace Car driver in front of every decal on the road!
Can I have extra pledge forms for my neighbors?
Absolutely! Contact us
at [email protected] and
we’ll be happy to send pledge forms to your neighborhood or community group.
Do Pace Car stickers provoke “road rage”?
Road rage certainly contributes to the atmosphere of fear on our streets. The idea is that the Pace Car sticker will "legitimize" driving within the speed limit - that it's a matter of safety and consideration for others, not timidity or cluelessness. It's about education and awareness. Many people who sign up to the Pace Car Program already act as unofficial Pace Cars in that they are people who generally follow the appropriate traffic laws. It’s been reported in other Pace Car communities that incidents of road rage decrease when they badge their car as a Pace Car. Instead of the driver behind thinking they are stuck behind someone who “doesn't know how to drive,” the Pace Car sticker lets them know that there is a purpose for why the car is being driven within the speed limit. Remember, changing behavior takes time! If for any reason you do find yourself the victim of road rage (whether as a Pace Car participant or not), do not engage in or respond to any aggressive behavior. If the situation escalates, please contact Columbus police.
Is this program costing a lot of my tax money?
Since the Pace Car program relies on personal responsibility, self-discipline, and volunteerism,it's not very costly to implement. The cost of printing vinyl decals and other materials is a small fraction of the cost of one speed hump or other traffic calming installation.
What other cities have started Pace Car Programs?
- Boise, ID
- Salt Lake City, UT
- Mesa and Tempe, AZ
- Boulder, CO
- Atlanta, GA
- Bellingham, WA
- Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN
- Missoula, MT
How do I sign up?
To become a pace car driver you pledge to:
"… drive within City of Columbus speed limits; stop at all stop signs, red lights, and for pedestrians in crosswalks; give myself enough travel time so that I’m not sacrificing safety or courtesy; reduce overall car usage; not text while driving; be courteous to, and share the road with bicyclists, pedestrians, and other drivers; and to display the Columbus Pace Car Program decal in my vehicle."
To take the pledge:
Email [email protected] or call (614) 645-3111 to request the forms to make the Columbus Pace Car Pledge; the forms can also be downloaded here or filled out online here.