The speed limit on a new sign near the Outagamie County Recycling and Solid Waste facility in Appleton, Wisconsin, is drawing a lot of attention online. Why? Because it shows a very precise speed limit of 17.3 mph.
Okay, but why 17.3 mph and not 15 mph or 20 mph? According to the recycling facility, which sees a steady flow of traffic every day, they chose the number “because it makes you pause. It makes you look twice. And most importantly, it breaks that ‘autopilot’ feeling we can all fall into when driving familiar routes.
“At Outagamie County Recycling & Solid Waste, we have haulers, contractors, and residents moving through our site every day. With so much activity, staying alert is key to keeping everyone safe.
“This small change is a big reminder: slow down, stay aware, look out for one another. We want every single person to have a safe visit and make it home at the end of the day.”
So far, Recycling and Solid Waste Program Coordinator Jordan Hiller says, at the very least, the unusual 17.3 mph speed limit sign has helped draw attention to site safety.
Is the 17.3 mph speed limit sign working?
Hiller told WBAY News that the sign’s goal, rather than forcing vehicles to proceed at precisely 17.3 mph, is to encourage visitors to be more aware of their speed and surroundings. He added that all site users, including contractors and drivers of garbage and recycling trucks, are subject to the unusual speed warning.
According to Hiller, the company’s solid waste superintendent came up with the concept as part of a larger campaign ahead of a June driver appreciation and safety day. According to him, the purpose of the event is to let drivers know that “we see you” and to reaffirm that people’s safety on the site and their safe return home are the top priorities.