J. C. said: October 30, 2009 11:01 am PST
Distinction:
Speed bumps are narrow things seen in parking lots.
Speed humps are wider (12 ft or more) ramping with a height of only 3 in..
Where I live:
1. Speed humps only allowed on roads with a 25 MPH speed limit.
2. And, at least 85% of the vehicle traffic on the road must be exceeding 35 MPH.
3. In such cases, the residents on the road can petition to install speed humps. At least 75% of residents must sign.
The road I live on use to be a quiet, 25 MPH, RESIDENTIAL road. Over the years, due to poor or mismanaged planning (new high school & 7 new subdivisions nearby), the road has become a de facto short cut between the school, subdivisions, & the main business district.
The residents along the road had become increasingly alarmed with increased speeds, especially after a child had been injured. Traffic patrol tickets had no effect. Basically, most drivers had no regard for the safety of the residents.
The road commission determined that more than 85% of the traffic was exceeding 35 MPH. I can assure you that cars coming at you on at over 35 MPH can be very un-nerving, especially coming from both directions.
In our case, the problem was so bad, that we had 100% concurrence from the homeowners (many with small children) to install the speed humps. These went in a few weeks ago, and the change has been dramatic! It actually feels safe to use the road on foot again. Since this section of road is only a short distance, the slower speeds have only added less than a minute to a trip.
I discovered that studies have shown that speed humps reduce the liklihood of serious injry & death to pedestrians by 40-60%. It is generally understood that any speed over 30 MPH in a residential neighborhood is considered extremely un-safe.
In our circumstances any motorist complaining about speed HUMPS has only themselves or the 85+% of self-centered speeders who disregard the safety of the community at large to blame.