Speed bump

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SpeedBump

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Road sign Humps for 1 mile Lilley Hertfordshire 2011-06-17

Speed bump (asphalt)

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Ležeći policajac 016

Asphalt Speed Hump

Rubber speed cushions

Speed bumps are traffic calming devices used on roads to slow down or reduce vehicle traffic in order to improve safety for pedestrians and to reduce the risk of traffic accidents. They are also known as speed humps, sleeping policeman, or speed breakers in different parts of the world. Speed bumps are designed to make drivers reduce their speed abruptly and thus, are often placed in residential areas and near places where pedestrian traffic is high, such as near schools, hospitals, and shopping areas.

Design and Specifications

Speed bumps are made from a variety of materials including asphalt, concrete, rubber, and plastic. They are typically 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) high and extend across the width of the road. The length and width of speed bumps can vary, but they are generally not as long as speed tables, which are a similar traffic calming device but with a flat top.

The design of a speed bump can significantly affect its effectiveness. For instance, the height and the steepness of the ramp will determine how much a vehicle must slow down to comfortably and safely cross over it. Rubber and plastic speed bumps often have the advantage of being modular and removable, which is useful for temporary situations or for testing their effectiveness in a new location before installing more permanent solutions.

Effectiveness and Criticism

Speed bumps are effective at reducing vehicle speeds and improving safety for pedestrians. Studies have shown that they can significantly reduce the number of accidents and injuries in areas where they are installed. However, they are also subject to criticism. Critics argue that speed bumps can cause discomfort to drivers and passengers, damage to vehicles if not crossed properly, and can delay emergency services such as ambulances and fire brigades.

Furthermore, improper placement or excessive use of speed bumps can lead to increased noise and pollution as vehicles slow down and then accelerate after crossing them. This has led to the development of alternative traffic calming measures that aim to slow down traffic without causing the negative side effects associated with speed bumps.

Regulations and Guidelines

The installation of speed bumps is subject to local traffic laws and regulations. Many jurisdictions require a traffic study or a community request process before they can be installed. The guidelines for their design and placement also vary, with considerations often including the type of road, the volume of traffic, and the presence of pedestrian traffic.

Environmental and Health Considerations

Speed bumps can have environmental and health impacts beyond their immediate effect on traffic speed. By reducing the speed of vehicles, they can potentially reduce vehicle emissions in residential areas. However, the stop-and-go traffic caused by speed bumps can also lead to increased emissions and fuel consumption. The impact of speed bumps on air quality and public health is an area of ongoing research.

Conclusion

Speed bumps are a common and effective traffic calming measure with the primary goal of improving road safety. While they have proven benefits in reducing vehicle speeds and pedestrian accidents, they also come with criticisms and potential drawbacks that need to be carefully considered. The design, placement, and use of speed bumps must balance the need for safety with the impact on drivers, emergency services, and the environment.