In a recent government meeting, discussions centered on traffic safety and speed limits in Moab, highlighting significant concerns regarding the correlation between speed and fatalities. A key point raised by Mister Tornak was the reliance on the 85th percentile heuristic for determining speed limits, which bases limits on the speed of the fastest 15% of vehicles. This method, while standard, has been criticized for not adequately considering the behavior of unfamiliar drivers and those passing through the area, who may drive faster than local residents.

A 2022 study from Brigham Young University, commissioned by the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), found that the 85th percentile approach may not be suitable for many rural areas, including Moab. The study advocates for a more comprehensive Speed Limit Setting (SLS) system that factors in various elements such as road capacity, pedestrian frequency, and environmental conditions, as recommended by the Federal Highway Safety Administration.

Karen Guzman Newton, a community member, expressed gratitude for UDOT's efforts but urged a reassessment of the downtown speed limit, currently set at 30 miles per hour. She cited research indicating that even a modest reduction to 25 miles per hour could significantly improve pedestrian survival rates in the event of an accident, increasing from 50% to 80%.

The discussions underscore a growing recognition of the need for updated traffic safety measures in Moab, with calls for more informed and effective speed limit policies to enhance community safety.