Hamblin's Auto Center

Do Speed Bumps Save Lives or Cause Accidents?

You’re driving along and suddenly you encounter a speed bump. You know what I’m talking about. Those rounded bumps across the road, usually found in 25 mph zones or car parks. At Hamblin's Auto Center, here is a blog about speed bumps and asking this question--are they truly safe? 

Known in some parts of the world as a “sleeping policeman” and a “lying-down policeman,” speed bumps were originally set up to be a speed deterrent to improve safety and save lives.

Studies have shown there is a noteworthy reduction in collisions when traveling at lower speeds. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, speeding triples the odds of crashing. In almost one-third of fatal crashes from 2002 to 2011, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said speeding was a contributing factor.

Although they can be a traffic calming device, speed bumps have become a controversial topic. Many find them annoying and some say they are ineffective. The rationale is that a motorist is less likely to hit a pedestrian if they are driving slower, so more lives are saved.

But some say that’s not always true, and they contribute to more accidents and deaths. How? By slowing the time it takes for emergency vehicles to arrive. A report from Colorado suggests that “for every life saved by slowing traffic, as many as 85 people may die because emergency vehicles are delayed.” The report also said that “response times are typically extended by 14% due to speed-reduction measures.”

Critics also argue they are an outdated approach to calming traffic and might cause more problems. In some communities, they have actually been removed.

A wide range of additional drawbacks associated with speed bumps cited included these:

• They distract drivers from other hazards on the road, such as children.
• There is increased noise from tire thumping, engine revving, and breaking and accelerating while driving over speed bumps.
• Excess wear and tear might damage some vehicles, especially sports cars.
• They may be uncomfortable for drivers and passengers.
• Costly to install and maintain.
• Can possibly increase pollution since driving in a lower gear uses more fuel.
• Increased traffic might be caused on nearby streets due to drivers attempting to avoid speed bumps.
• May be unsafe for those on bikes and motorcycles.
• Often decreases more active law enforcement in area.

Whether or not you agree with using speed bumps in Riverside, CA watching your speed and paying close attention while on the road is still the best deterrent to avoid a collision.

Sources: Wikipedia, Yahoo and NHTSA