Speed Bumps VS Speed Humps: Whats the Difference?

Speed bumps and speed humps offer additional safety on roadside job sites since they force drivers to slow down (or risk damaging their vehicle). However, they have distinct differences that you should know before making a purchase. 

In this article, we will cover:

• Definition of speed bumps and speed humps
• Difference between speed bumps and speed humps
• Installation of speed bumps
• Alternative traffic control options

What Is A Speed Bump?

A speed bump is a device that creates a rise in concrete or asphalt road anywhere from 3 inches to 6 inches to slow vehicles down in an area where fast-driving cars can cause danger to pedestrians, construction workers, or anyone else in the vicinity. Speed bumps are usually made from recyclable rubber, but you can also find them made of plastic or metal. The black and yellow coloring makes them easy for drivers to identify in time to slow down. 

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How Effective Are Speed Bumps?

People install speed bumps to keep people safe. Drivers don’t always adhere to speed limits, but they need to watch out for speed bumps to avoid damaging their vehicle. 

Speed bumps are the most effective when used on roads with low traffic and low-speed limits. Speed bumps and speed humps don’t offer the best solution when in the middle of a curved road. It also won’t work on roads with a grade, or incline, higher than 8%.  

In particular, speed bumps are effective in the following situations: 

• Commercial areas
• Industrial areas
• Parks
• Residential areas
• School zones
• Sporting venues

What Is The Difference Between Speed Bumps And Speed Humps?

Speed humps and speed bumps both provide a vertical deterrent on the road to help ensure drivers stick to the proper speed limit, but it’s important to know the difference between speed bumps and speed humps to make the right purchasing decision. Speed humps, slightly smaller than speed bumps but longer, tend to work best to keep traffic between 10 – 15 MPH, while speed bumps tend to work best to keep traffic between 2 -10 MPH. Drivers usually see speed humps in a series in residential areas, while speed bumps can provide speed hindrance in one specific area, such as a parking lot. 

Not sure if you should use a speed bump or a speed hump? Contact B&B Roadway and Security Solutions to learn which option will work best for your needs. 

Do Speed Bumps Damage Cars?

If cars drive over speed bumps at average speed, the car can see significant damage, especially the shocks. A vehicle’s shocks absorb the impact of typical driving conditions, but they can’t handle the speed bump. Going too fast over the speed bump can lead to damage to the car’s shocks until they require replacement. In addition, the speed bump can damage your tires. If your tire blows, you will need to replace it. Both repairs will lead to a large bill from the mechanic. 

What Are The Benefits Of Speed Bumps?

The main advantage of speed bumps is that they offer a cost-effective way to reduce car accidents, especially in areas with high pedestrian levels. However, you will find additional benefits to using speed bumps. Some of the main advantages include:

• Resistant to UV rays, moisture, and oil
• Portable 
• Durable
• Reflectors allow for increased visibility, even at night
• Easy installation

Almost anyone can install a speed bump with the proper instruction. You can choose to install the speed bumps permanently or make them removable for road maintenance. Speed bumps also last for years, even with the wear and tear of cars driving over them and the elements, such as the sun or hail storms. They can even hold up against the oil and chemicals they encounter. Finally, speed bumps use reflective materials to ensure drivers can see them, even at night!

How Much Does It Cost To Install Speed Bumps?

Generally speaking, you can expect to pay $1000 – $1500 to install a speed bump or speed hump. However, the cost varies greatly based on the specific project, and the type and amount of speed bumps required. The cost can also lead to savings down the road when it comes to insurance. You can potentially lower insurance costs by installing speed bumps. Furthermore, you increase safety, making your residential or commercial property more desirable. 

Where Can Speed Bumps Be Installed?

Before you place a speed bump somewhere, you need to know the places you actually can install them. If you put a speed bump or speed hump somewhere it doesn’t belong, you can create a hazard instead of safe conditions. Also, you don’t have the authority to put a speed bump anywhere you want.

Places you can install a speed bump include:

• Malls
• Shopping Centers
• Schools
• Private Communities
• Bus Stations
• Hospitals
• Commercial Buildings

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What Are Other Traffic Calming Measures? 

Some effective alternatives to speed bumps and speed humps when looking to reduce the speed of cars in a particular area include bollards, stop signs, speed radars, and cameras. 

Speed bumps and speed humps don’t always provide the necessary results, especially if you need to stop a car instead of just forcing it to slow down. Luckily, you have other options when it comes to keeping traffic under control. Some of those additional methods include:

• Resistance Barriers
• Jax Barriers
• Warning Gates
• Wedge Barriers

These barriers won’t slow a vehicle down, but they will force the vehicle to stop altogether. This makes them effective for traffic checks or when you need to keep cars off of a specific road or area of a property.