Speed and Noise as a Problem of Safety in Residential Areas

The aim of this paper is to point out the dependence between the speed of vehicles and the externalities that arise during their operation under specific conditions of residential areas. The main function of residential zones is primarily housing, so this function should be superior to everyone else. This can only be achieved by calming traffic, whether by reducing the maximum speed limit, or by installing speed limiting devices. The safety of the population and the best possible living conditions should be a major objective in the creation of residential areas. However, under the conditions of the Slovak Republic these objectives are often not achieved and in residential areas the traffic function prevails. This is due, for example, to the speed of vehicles and their parking in places where this is not permitted in the residential area. Another problem is the segregation of individual roads in the area and the use of road communications by road and footpaths. In addition, the paper points to the knowledge of the specific conditions of operation of motor vehicles in these zones, especially among young drivers. Based on the results, it then offers a possible solution to the problem in order to increase safety [17] and at the same time to improve the quality of life in areas that have a primary residential function and are in direct contact between vehicles and pedestrians.