Speed cushions are a type of raised portion of road, often used as pinch points. They can be used alone or in pairs, as well as in conjunction with speed humps. Rumble strips are only used in rural areas, such as in retail parks, due to the noise they cause. In 2010, the London Assembly voted to ban speed humps, but that did not prevent the installation of a similar device.
While humps and speed bumps are both effective ways to slow down traffic, they are not always appropriate for all roadways. Often used in pedestrian zones, speed humps are intended to slow cars down to two to ten mph. However, if drivers do not slow down to the posted limit, they could damage other cars or pedestrians. Listed below are the benefits of speed humps and bumps for less aggressive traffic calming.
In a recent study, two Michigan communities studied the effectiveness of speed humps and bumps in curbing cut-through traffic. The study found that less than seven percent of traffic was cut-through traffic, so the communities decided against implementing these measures. The author points out that, when citizens complain about road safety issues, the response is often a placebo effect. The use of speed humps and bumps in traffic calming is one way to get the desired results.
A major difference between speed humps and bumps is their width and travel distance. Humps are wider than speed bumps, and are typically three to four inches tall. Regardless of type, they are designed to reduce traffic speeds and make areas safer for pedestrians. Speed bumps are narrower and usually only a few inches taller than a normal vehicle, and the travel distance between them is 12 to 15 feet. In addition, speed humps are placed at larger intervals than speed bumps, and they're often placed in a series, so the reducing effects of each occur across a long corridor.
Speed humps are often placed along residential areas, connecting roads, and emergency routes. The rocking sensation caused by these humps can make a vehicle feel uncomfortable. They are found in different shapes, and often have multiple humps installed in a row, resulting in a longer travel distance. Some people say that they detract from the appearance of a neighborhood. And some drivers actually speed up between humps to make up for lost time.
Some argue that speed bumps and humps increase noise pollution and make traffic worse. Some claim that a road with speed bumps slows traffic and diverts traffic to a parallel residential street. Others say they cause congestion and delay emergency response time. Some have even complained about the inconvenience they cause to drivers and passengers. While these arguments may have merit, they cannot override the fact that speed bumps and humps slow traffic down and cause air pollution and noise pollution.
The study has drew the attention of environmentalists and strategy makers in developing countries, and suggests an alternative method to address the noise problem caused by speed bumps. Nonetheless, it is not clear how many speed bumps and humps are necessary. Some studies suggest that speed humps could actually exacerbate noise pollution by increasing tailpipe emissions, making them a more harmful option than other traffic calming devices.
If you have never driven over a speed bump or humps, you may be surprised by what they can do to automobiles. Not only do they cause the tires to lose air, but they can also seriously damage a car's frame and sidewall. Many motorists worry that these bumps will cause an accident. While this is unlikely, it can still lead to some damages. Listed below are some of the more common consequences.
Speed bumps and humps are raised barriers, usually three to four inches, that are designed to slow drivers. They are often installed in residential areas, near schools and institutions, and on streets where pedestrians are common. Despite their benefits, drivers must slow down and watch out for bump ahead signs, otherwise they may hit the bump at high speed and end up damaging their automobile. Furthermore, drivers must also keep in mind that speed bumps may even cause damage to a vehicle's alignment.