A Wisconsin road has introduced a decimal point in its speed limit, hoping the unusual traffic sign will make drivers think twice before speeding. The Outagamie County Recycling and Solid Waste facility in Appleton, about 107 miles north of Milwaukee, announced on Monday that the speed limit inside the facility is now 17.3 mph.
Why 17.3 mph?
In a Facebook post, the facility explained the reasoning behind the specific number. "You may notice something a little different on your next visit. Our posted speed limit is now 17.3." The facility, which offers recycling and landfill disposal services, stated that the unusual speed limit is designed to make drivers "pause."
"It makes you look twice. And most importantly, it breaks that 'autopilot' feeling we can all fall into when driving familiar routes," the facility added.
Safety First at the Facility
The recycling and waste facility noted that many people travel through the site each day, including haulers, contractors, and nearby residents. "With so much activity, staying alert is key to keeping everyone safe," the post continued. "This small change is a big reminder: Slow down, stay aware, look out for one another."
The post concluded: "We want every single person to have a safe visit and make it home at the end of the day." An image of the new speed limit sign accompanied the update. The previous speed limit inside the facility was not immediately disclosed.
Public Reaction
The unusual sign sparked reactions on social media. One Facebook user commented, "Worked last weekend when I was there. Made us laugh." Another person joked, "Whatever you do DO NOT do 17.4 or the police car emoji gonna on yo tail!!" A third user chimed in: "I like it!! Pay attention. Safety First!"
Unusual Speed Limits Elsewhere
Posting such a specific speed limit is unusual but not unprecedented. A speed limit sign reading 8.2 mph at a shopping center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, has caused confusion on social media for years. "If you go 8.21 mph you may be executed," one Redditor joked.
Another unusual speed limit sign was spotted at the Opry Mills Mall in Nashville, Tennessee, where drivers are limited to 24 mph instead of the typical 25.
Do Specific Speed Limits Work?
While ultra-specific speed limits are likely meant to slow drivers down, a 2024 study by Minnesota's state and local transportation agencies found that lowering the posted speed limit does not necessarily achieve that goal. The study, conducted in St. Louis Park, examined driver speeds before and after reducing the limit on several roads.
"The analysis showed drivers may not respond immediately to a posted speed change," said Gary Davis, the study's lead. "But it's a good start to a longer-term evaluation to see if the speed control policy objectives will be met."
