How To Control Traffic with Speed Humps

According to an analysis by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, road accidents are a frequent cause of hospitalisation in Australia. Therefore, we all need to learn to be responsible road users.

Road safety is a very important aspect of being out on the road, either driving or riding as a passenger. The occurrence of injuries and deaths on roads is largely preventable. When there are adequate safety measures on the roads such as signs, markings and signals, drivers and pedestrians can avoid the risk of collisions.

At times, it requires more than a speed limit sign to slow down traffic. Perhaps you should consider installing a speed hump on the road, as they can significantly slow down vehicles to less than 20 kms per hour. Speed humps are a perfect solution to increase the road or pedestrian safety without bringing traffic to a near stop. Let's take a look at how speed humps can help with the safety of pedestrians and drivers:

• Speed Regulation

Also called "sleeping policeman" speed humps work in a similar way as traffic cops. They require cars to slow down in order to pass over them or they will experience a very "bumpy" ride and possibly some damage to the car. Speed humps are vertical inflections on the road that are set apart at various intervals in order to regulate the speed of vehicles on the road. Speed humps are commonly used in residential neighbourhoods, where drivers may be driving too fast without even realising it.

• Convenient walkways

If strategically placed on the street, speed humps can create convenient walkways for pedestrians to use in order to cross streets safely. They will force a driver to slow down just before the area designated for pedestrians to cross. This makes them especially handy in areas where pedestrian traffic is high.

• Calms the traffic

Speed humps are used to reduce the speed ofvehicles in high traffic areas and therefore, helps in solving traffic-related problems. They encourage a gradual stop and remind drivers to maintain a specific speed limit.

Places Where Speed Humps Can Be Installed:

1. Near Schools
2. Parking areas
3. Construction sites
4. Residential areas
5. Shopfronts

Speed humps are a great traffic management tool and are made of concrete, asphalt, rubber and plastic. Removable speed humps are perfect for slowing down vehicles. These days, however, rubber speed humps are used widely in Melbourne because of several advantages that they offer, including easier installation that you can do yourself.

Why Are Rubber Speed Humps A Popular Choice?

Rubber Speed Humps are cost-effective and the sections are really easy to install. These can be installed efficiently so, that contractors charge a lower fee which works as an advantage for your customers. They can easily be removed in case of any changes in traffic flow and are portable too. Also, some speed humps are made from recycled tyres, thus contributing to environmental conservation.

Distinct Features of Speed Humps and Speed Cushions

Speed humps are used to regularise traffic, are usually 3 metres long and are often used in residential areas. Speed cushions, on the other hand, are short, removable sections of speed modifiers. They feature built-in reflectors and a linking system for easy installation. They are often placed in the centre of the road to slow down vehicles. But heavy vehicles like trucks and ambulances can easily surpass these speed cushions, so they are effective in slowing vehicles with narrower wheelbases.

General Tips to Follow While Installing Speed Humps

• The spacing between humps: Speed humps should be generally spaced not more than 50 metres apart to keep vehicle speed below 20 km per hour. To achieve greater speed reductions, place the speed humps closer together.

• Installation Guides: Rubber and plastic speed humps are easy to install and can be an opportunity to “Do It Yourself”. Look for products that have installation guides available for their products to ensure that you get the best fit and finish for your job.

• The right place to install: Carry out good research to consider the area where you will be installing the speed humps. Since these products come in different dimensions and heights, you can research and identify the right product for your particular situation.

Safety Xpress supplies a variety of speed humps including plastic and rubber speed humps. We work effectively in reducing the risk of collisions around schools, hospitals, parks, shopping centres, etc. with our professionally designed speed humps.

To know more about speed humps and to place an order with the correct measurements, you can get in touch with us. We are an experienced supplier of safety products and we can deliver your order anywhere in Australia – fast!