ADDING SPEED BUMPS AND SPEED HUMPS GOAL

Where traditional speed limit reduction might not be the most effective, the introduction of speed bumps or humps signify and cause driver speed reduction because of the introduction of an upcoming obstacle in the roadway.

WHAT IS IT?

Speed bumps are a form of traffic slowing infrastructure intended for slower speed limit area. They are more aggressive than speed humps causing a higher decrease in traffic speeds. They are suited more for parking lots and driveways. They can be anywhere from 2 to 4 inches high and have a much shorter travel distance than speed humps, making them more abrupt and resulting in more of a “bounce” when the vehicle drivers over it. Unfortunately, taking speed bumps too fast can cause damage to a vehicle which makes it critical that people slow down. These bumps can reduce speeds from 2 to 10 miles per hour. Signage should accompany speed bumps to alert drivers of the upcoming obstacle.

Speed humps are similar to speed bumps, varying only slightly. They are used in pedestrian zones on local or collector roads and usually found around playgrounds and in school zones (neighborhoods as well) where excessive speeds will harm pedestrians. Unlike speed bumps, speed humps are less abrupt and usually placed in a series along a corridor to maintain slower speeds. They are anywhere from 3-4 inches high (at the pinnacle point) and 12-14 feet wide, with a ramp length of 3-6 feet (circular top). These humps can reduce driver speeds from 15-20 mph. Signage should accompany a speed bump when constructed to warn drivers of the obstacle that they are approaching.

Potential Conflicts

Speed bumps/humps might not be the best investment depending on the location. Speed bumps/humps can make things difficult for people parking on streets, street cleaners, and plows during the winter. They also might cause problems for emergency vehicles (firetrucks and ambulances) and their response times. The introduction of speed bumps/humps could divert traffic to another street, causing the existing problem to move instead of being solved. The cost of continued maintenance might not be the most effective use of funds either because of the constant wearand-tear of drivers having to encounter them. Drivers might try to avoid the obstacle all together, thereby rendering the bump/hump ineffective (spacing).

They can however be used as a temporary installment as a measure for working to reduce speeds. Unfortunately, it might take a period of conditioning individuals to drive slower speeds (depending on the location) which could be counterproductive in the long run. The removal of a speed bump/hump can also be expensive which could prevent the installation of one or more from ever being considered.

COST:

Low-cost

Speed bumps and speed tables cost on average $2,500 (ranging from $1,000 to $6,900 depending on size, materials, design, and drainage conditions).