Sleeping policemen

Speed bumps, also known as speed breakers or sleeping policemen, are traffic calming devices designed to slow vehicles in areas where safety is a priority. These raised sections of the road, typically made of asphalt, concrete, rubber, or plastic, are elevated several inches above the road surface.

Purpose

Reduce Vehicle Speed: The primary purpose of speed bumps is to compel drivers to slow down to avoid a jarring impact. This is especially critical in high pedestrian traffic areas, such as school zones, residential neighborhoods, and parking lots.

Improve Safety: By reducing vehicle speeds, speed bumps help prevent accidents and injuries. Research indicates they can significantly decrease the frequency and severity of crashes.

Discourage Speeding: The discomfort of driving over a speed bump at high speed serves as a deterrent, encouraging drivers to stay within the posted speed limits.

Types

Speed Humps: Longer and flatter than traditional speed bumps, speed humps offer a more gradual rise and fall, making them suitable for residential streets.

Speed Cushions: These feature gaps or cutouts that allow emergency vehicles with wider axles to pass over them more smoothly, while still slowing down regular vehicles.

Speed Tables: These are flat-topped, raised areas that span the entire width of the road, commonly used at intersections or pedestrian crossings.

Considerations

Effectiveness: While speed bumps are effective at reducing speed, they can cause discomfort for drivers and passengers, particularly if not properly designed or installed.

Impact on Emergency Vehicles: Speed bumps can slow down emergency vehicles, potentially delaying their response time. Speed cushions are often used to mitigate this issue.

Noise: Speed bumps can generate noise as vehicles pass over them, which may be a nuisance to nearby residents.

Maintenance: Regular maintenance is required to ensure speed bumps remain effective and safe for all road users.

In summary, while speed bumps are effective in slowing down traffic and enhancing safety, it’s important to consider their design, impact on emergency response, noise levels, and the need for ongoing maintenance.

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