Are you wondering if speed bumps or speed humps are better for regulating traffic?
Speed bumps and speed humps are two common traffic calming measures used to slow vehicle speeds in residential areas. Both can reduce speeds, but which one is a better choice for your street?
Speed Bumps
Speed bumps are a popular solution for controlling traffic speed on roads in residential areas. They are small, elevated bumps that drivers must traverse at a slow speed to avoid damaging their cars. Speed bumps Ohio are not very large – usually only a few inches high – but their small size is enough to drastically reduce the speed of cars passing over them.
Because they are so small, speed bumps are relatively easy to install and require minimal maintenance. They are also relatively inexpensive compared to other solutions, such as speed humps or traffic circles. They are a great solution for areas that have limited budgets or are not able to commit to the long-term maintenance of larger solutions.
Speed bumps have the added benefit of being able to be quickly removed and relocated if needed. This makes them ideal for areas with a high turnover rate, such as college campuses or military installations. Speed bumps can also be used in combination with other solutions, like speed humps, to create a complete speed control system.
The biggest downside to speed bumps is that they can be uncomfortable for drivers and passengers if they are going too fast. Many drivers tend to slow down as soon as they spot a speed bump to avoid being jostled, but some may still be tempted to go faster than the speed bump allows.
Overall, speed bumps are a great solution for areas with limited budgets or which require easy installation and removal. They are very effective at slowing down traffic, but can be uncomfortable for drivers if they do not slow down.
Speed Humps
Speed humps, often referred to as speed cushions, are another form of traffic calming measure that can be used to reduce the speed of vehicles in a certain area. While they operate in a similar manner to speed bumps, speed humps offer several distinct advantages and disadvantages that are important to consider. In this section, we will look at what speed humps are, the advantages they bring, and also discuss any drawbacks to using them.
Definition
Speed Humps are small, shallow ramps made of asphalt or concrete that are designed to slow vehicles down on streets where the speed limit is too low for a speed bump but traffic calming is needed. The humps, which are also called “sleeping policemen” and “speed cushions,” are typically two to three feet high, three to four feet wide, and stretch across the entire width of the road. Speed humps are intended to be crossed at a reduced speed, around 15 miles per hour, since they provide a gentler, smoother ride than speed bumps.
Advantages
Speed humps are a better way to slow down traffic compared to speed bumps. Generally speaking, they are less jarring and less damaging to the car and to the road. Speed humps are created with rounded bottoms, allowing the car to roll over the hump with minimal damage to the suspension system. They are also constructed from rubber which is better for the car and the road than speed bumps which are generally made from asphalt or concrete. Since speed humps are lower than speed bumps, they are the better option for cars with lower ground clearances. Furthermore, speed humps are designed to slow down drivers without causing a total stop, making them the preferred choice for busy roads.
Comparison
When it comes to choosing between speed bumps and speed humps, it ultimately depends on the purpose of their installation and the environment in which they will be used. Both are designed for the same purpose—to reduce vehicle speed and increase safety in a given area—but there are marked differences between the two.
Speed bumps are generally U-shaped, creating an abrupt and disruptive speed-reducing mechanism. They are usually no higher than two inches, so they are ideal for parking lots and low-speed roads. However, because of their design, they can create an uncomfortable ride and cause damage to vehicles that travel over them at high speeds.
On the other hand, speed humps are generally inclined, creating a smoother and more gradual speed-reducing mechanism. They are typically higher at their peak, reaching heights between three and four inches, making them suitable for residential streets and other areas where vehicles travel at higher speeds. Despite their height, they are still comfortable to drive over, allowing vehicles to remain in control at all times.
Both speed bumps and speed humps are effective at reducing vehicle speed, but speed humps tend to be more appropriate in high-speed areas due to their gradual incline. Ultimately, the best solution for a given situation depends on the specific environment and purpose of installation.