Speed Hump Problems

Six new speed humps are slowing traffic on the heavily traveled Walnut Hill Boulevard in the Borough of Chester Heights, Pa. Unfortunately, as is common with the use of speed humps, the traffic calming devices have created more problems. Several of the humps are too high. The asphalt has been abraded as vehicles are scraping over the top. These abrasions will eventually cause erosion of the hump. So a contractor must modify them to prevent further deterioration.

Additionally, motorists are avoiding the humps by driving into the grass. The borough is now considering either extending the hump all the way to the shoulder or placing trees or boulders on the roadside to force drivers to stay on the street. The borough engineer is concerned that these substantial obstructions might leave Chester Heights liable for damages if a motorist hits one. And, he acknowledged that a more modest shrub would likely not stand very long.

Speed humps are often considered to be inexpensive traffic calming solutions. But as Chester Heights has learned, the costs often don’t end at installation. Maintenance can be costly, especially in climates that deal with frequent snow, ice and salt on roadways. Speed humps impede the progress of emergency vehicles and snow plows. And personal vehicles can suffer damage when the humps are not constructed or installed properly.

While driver feedback signs from Radarsign™ reliably slow speeding drivers, they do not have the maintenance costs associated with speed humps. Plus, the undercarriage of automobiles is at no risk from a radar speed sign.

Charlie Robeson: Radarsign™ Co-founder & Director of Sales and Marketing