Speed bumps and speed humps are both effective traffic calming measures, but they serve slightly different purposes. Each has its ideal application, depending on the environment and the speed control required. In this article, we’ll break down the differences between the two and help you determine which option is best for your specific needs.
What Are Speed Bumps?
Speed bumps are raised barriers that force vehicles to slow down significantly, typically reducing speeds to between 2 and 10 miles per hour. They are ideal for areas where pedestrian safety is a concern, such as parking lots, school zones, or driveways.
Best Zones for Speed Bumps:
- Parking Lots: Speed bumps are perfect for ensuring drivers reduce speed in parking lots, where the risk of accidents with pedestrians or other vehicles is high.
- Residential Streets: In neighborhoods with many children or pedestrian traffic, speed bumps help enforce slower driving speeds.
What Are Speed Humps?
Speed humps, on the other hand, are broader and less abrupt than speed bumps. While they also slow down traffic, they do so more gradually, allowing vehicles to maintain a speed of about 10-15 miles per hour. Speed humps are typically used in areas where smoother traffic flow is needed but speed reduction is still important.
Best Zones for Speed Humps:
- Residential Areas with Moderate Traffic: Speed humps are ideal for streets where some level of traffic flow needs to be maintained while ensuring the safety of pedestrians.
- Long Roadways: In long stretches of residential or commercial areas, speed humps can keep speeds controlled without drastically interrupting the flow of traffic.
Materials and Durability
Both speed bumps and speed humps are available in durable materials like rubber, asphalt, and concrete. Rubber speed bumps are particularly popular because they are made from recycled materials, offering a more environmentally friendly option that is also easy to install and maintain.
For an effective traffic calming solution, check out our selection of Speed Bumps and Speed Humps.