Gilbert staff propose six‑month traffic‑safety signage pilot starting Oct. 1

At a Sept. 9 study session, Town of Gilbert staff proposed a six‑month pilot program of large‑format traffic‑safety signs designed to prompt drivers to slow down, avoid distractions and yield, with an intended launch of Oct. 1 and a planned run through the six busiest months of the year. Susanna Young, traffic staff for the Town of Gilbert, told the council the pilot grew from a May directive to identify non‑engineering ways to reduce serious injuries and fatalities.

The pilot responds to local crash data: “In 2024, we had approximately 3,615 traffic crashes in the community. Of those, 15 crashes resulted in 17 fatalities,” Young said. She told council members the town’s traffic and police teams review crash reports to identify common factors, and that the two most frequent causes are “failure to yield the right of way” and “speed too fast for conditions.”

The…