Speed bumps, also known as speed humps, are a familiar sight on Australian roads, but do they actually make our streets safer? As speeding remains one of the leading causes of road fatalities in Australia, understanding how speed bumps function and their impact on driving behavior is essential.
Dylan Anderson
How Speed Bumps Reduce Speed and Improve Safety
Speed bumps are designed to slow down vehicles in high-risk areas, such as school zones, residential streets, shopping centers, and parking lots. These traffic-calming measures force drivers to reduce speed to avoid discomfort or vehicle damage.
According to research by Budget Direct, the chance of a fit adult surviving a collision with a car traveling at 50 km/h is only 10%, but that survival rate jumps to 90% if the car is moving at 30 km/h. This highlights why reducing vehicle speeds is critical in preventing fatalities and serious injuries.
A study in Norway (2015) found that speed humps reduced deaths and serious injuries by 49%, while a 2016 study in the UK reported a 36% reduction in fatal and serious injury crashes in areas with speed bumps.
"The objective of the speed hump is to gradually lower the speed of traffic to reduce the chances and severity of injury to pedestrians." - Speed Humps Australia
Dylan Anderson
The Design and Effectiveness of Speed Humps
Speed humps are typically 3-4 inches high and extend across the width of the road. They are constructed from asphalt, concrete, or recycled rubber, with rubber humps being the most durable and least damaging to vehicles. Their design allows cars to maintain a steady speed while discouraging excessive acceleration.
Unlike speed bumps, which are shorter and steeper, speed humps are less aggressive and reduce speeds gradually. Studies suggest that well-designed speed humps can lower average vehicle speeds by 10-25%, significantly reducing accident risks.
Proper placement is crucial. Poorly designed speed humps that are too steep can cause damage to vehicles and pose hazards for motorcycles and cyclists. They must also be spaced correctly—if placed too far apart, drivers may speed up between humps, negating their benefits.
"Speed humps must be gentle enough to ensure that emergency vehicles are not impeded." - Steelmark
Dylan Anderson
Alternative Traffic-Calming Measures
While speed humps are effective, they are not the only solution for reducing speed. Other traffic-calming strategies include:
- Chicanes – Curved road designs that force drivers to slow down.
- Raised Crosswalks – Elevated pedestrian crossings that double as speed humps.
- Roundabouts – Encourages lower speeds while maintaining traffic flow.
- Pedestrian Islands – Provides safe crossing points for pedestrians.
These measures can be combined with speed humps to enhance road safety further.
Dylan Anderson
Conclusion: Do Speed Humps Work?
The evidence is clear—speed humps play a vital role in reducing vehicle speeds and preventing accidents. When properly designed and installed in high-risk areas, they create safer roads for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike. While they may sometimes be seen as an inconvenience, their life-saving benefits far outweigh any minor delay they cause.
For more information on speed humps and their effectiveness, check out Speed Humps Australia and Steelmark.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
