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Sheriff recommends leaving speed limit at 45 mph on Baker Road after data review; commissioners schedule public hearing
Summary
A seven-day speed survey found 85th-percentile speeds of 41 mph and 44 mph in opposite directions and 17 reported crashes since 2019; Sheriff recommended keeping the posted 45 mph limit and using targeted enforcement. Commissioners voted to move the item to the next meeting to allow public comment.
The Dickson County sheriff’s office on April 7 reported traffic data for Baker Road that led the sheriff to recommend no change to the posted 45 mph speed limit.
Sheriff briefing: The sheriff’s office conducted a seven-day speed survey that logged 3,403 vehicles and found 643 were identified as speeding. The 85th-percentile speeds were 41 mph in one direction and 44 mph in the other — both under the posted 45 mph — and average speeds were about 37–38 mph. A crash review from 2019 to 2025 found 17 total crashes, seven of which were deer collisions.
Recommendation and enforcement options: Given the low crash volume and 85th-percentile results, the sheriff recommended keeping the limit at 45 mph and using targeted patrols and a portable speed-display device as enforcement tools. The sheriff said the speed display “is about 70% effective” at reducing speeds temporarily and encouraged residents to report habitual offenders to assist patrol deployment.
Commission action: Commissioner Gray moved to advance the item to the next meeting to allow a public hearing and additional residents to speak; Commissioner Simpkins seconded the motion. The commission approved the motion by voice vote.
Next steps: The item will appear on the next meeting agenda for public comment and possible further action.
