How Do Speed Humps Work?

Quick answer: Speed humps are raised sections of roadway designed to encourage lower vehicle speeds. They are generally used on lower-speed streets where speed reduction is the specific objective.

What does road-safety research say?

The cited road-safety research reports that vertical traffic-calming measures can reduce operating speeds and may reduce crashes in appropriate settings. Design details and location matter.

What are the trade-offs?

Municipalities also consider emergency response, transit, snow clearing, drainage, noise, and street function before choosing a treatment.

Research basis: Ewing & Dumbaugh (2009) and cited traffic-calming research.

Speed Humps vs. Speed Tables · Choosing Traffic-Calming Measures