Hopefully St. Cloud Drivers Didn’t Miss This Warning To Slow Down

There are signs that it’s September; there are less people wearing flip flops and sandals, more people are wearing long sleeves and hoodies, and school buses are rolling each morning and afternoon. Thursday, there was another sign that it’s September and that was the reappearance of the digital speed limit sign on Clearwater Road in St. Cloud. 

This road is a direct connection to downtown St. Cloud, St. Cloud State, and Highway’s 23 and 10 from south St. Cloud and I-94. And of course, people use this connecting road in reverse once the workday or school day is done.  

Clearwater Road has clearly posted as a 30 mph speed limit signs all along the route, but if you drive this road regularly, like I do, you’ve probably noticed that a lot of drivers either don’t notice the speed limit signs, or don’t care about those signs. And if you’re thinking you’ve not noticed these drivers on this road, you probably are the driver I’m talking about. 

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The digital speed limit sign was on display all day Thursday reminding people to slow down. This road is home to several businesses, apartment complexes, churches and childcare facilities as well as being a residential district. Drivers will often see people walking, riding their bikes, or kids in adjoining yards along the road. 

The digital speed limit sign was put out after I went through that area at 4am, and was there until sometime Thursday afternoon because it was gone this morning when I came through again. I've already seen a few law enforcement vehicles in the area and the brief warning could mean a heavier patrol presence in the area is coming to see if drivers got the hint to slow down.

I have personally seen multiple Police Officers have more multiple drivers pulled over on the side of the road at the same time. I’ve seen this at 4am on my way to work, and I’ve also seen the same scene later in the day. 

I’ve also had drivers who weren’t too pleased that I was obeying the speed limit pass me when there was another visible sign they were ignoring. 

If you use Clearwater Road, make the mental note now so that you will start slowing down and be more aware of the signs along this road and all the reasons people spend time in this area.  

Let’s be safe out there.