Question

Effectiveness and ineffectiveness of speed humps

Answer 1

Hi!

Speed humps (different from speed bumps) are a traffic calming technique used by the traffic authorities to counter over-speeding as speed is the single most important factor in most traffic accidents. Following are some of the aspects of effectiveness and ineffectiveness of speed humps.

Effectiveness:

1. Speed humps can decrease driver speeds by 16–24 km/hr over the hump, and 40–48 km/hr when humps are laid in a series.
2. As opposed to other traffic calming techniques, for instance, “slow” signs which lose efficacy with time, the efficacy of speed humps in reducing speeds remains same with the passage of time as drivers have to slow down anyway.

Ineffectiveness:

1. When hidden under snow, the can catch drivers by surprise and interrupt snow removal operations.
2. For emergency response vehicles, speed is pivotal and poorly planned speed humps can be an emergency hazard.

I hope that answers your question.