When you drive your vehicle over a speed bump or hump on the road, do you feel your car shake? If yes, then you already know how they slow you down. But as a road constructor or someone in the municipal traffic department, you need to know about speed bumps vs speed humps and how they are not the same.
Today we will tell you all about speed bumps, speed humps and some other traffic calming devices. After that, you can make a better decision, which will be perfect for your road projects and other setups.
Definition of Speed Bumps
Speed bumps are small raised parts of the road that create vertical deflection. They easily slow down your car. You mostly see them in parking lots, driveways, busy pedestrian areas, or on private highways. If you drive too fast, your car will bounce. That is why they help keep people secure. When you see a bump on the motorway, that means you should drive slowly.
Definition of Speed Humps
Speed humps are manufactured to reduce your vehicle speeds around 10-15 mph. However, they are generally wider and less steep compared to speed bumps. Traffic management places them because it allows your cars to pass over them more smoothly. You can also install them in cyclist zones, near schools, and in places where you need to make the road safer for everyone.
Who Invented Speed Bumps & Speed Humps?
Speed bumps/humps invented by Arthur Holly Compton (physicist) in 1953. He made them slow down vehicles speeding past his university and first called them “traffic control bumps”. The basic reason was that faster cars were being made at that time.
However, there weren’t enough driving rules, so car crashes and road danger rates started to increase. Even though there were basic ways to slow traffic before, such as raised walkways in New Jersey in 1906. However, Compton’s idea was the precursor to the rubber speed bump we see today.
Difference Between Speed Bumps and Speed Humps
| Major Features | Speed Bumps | Speed Humps |
| Height | Speed bumps are typically about 3 to 4 inches tall (can be up to 6 inches) | Speed humps are a little shorter around 2 to 3 inches |
| Width | Speed bumps are narrow and high-angled | Speed humps are broader but less sharp |
| Installation Material | Speed bumps are made from asphalt, rubber, and plastic | Speed humps are constructed from asphalt, gravel, concrete or rubber |
| Purpose | Speed bumps are installed to control the strict speed limits of vehicles | They are designed to slow down traffic more gradually. |
| Speed Reduction Range | Reduce speeds to 5–10 mph (sudden slowdown) | Decrease speed to 10–20 mph (gentler slowdown) |
| Visibility Needs | High visibility with clear markings and signs | Moderate clearance with warning signs & reflective paint |
| Impact on Traffic Flow | Drivers must slow down to a very low speed, which creates a stop-and-go effect. | Drivers can maintain a lower speed without stopping completely |
| Feel When Driving Over | Speed bump feels bumpy and uncomfortable because they are taller | speed hump feels smoother and more gradual because they are wider |
| Price Range |
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Height
Speed humps are not as tall as speed bumps but are wider and longer. However, the average height of speed bumps, which is preferred by traffic departments, is 3-4 inches. In contrast, the raised level of speed humps is 2 to 3 inches.
Width
If we talk about width difference, speed humps are much wider but speed bumps are a bit narrow. For example, if you drive fast over a speed bump, your car suddenly jumps or shakes. Additionally, you generally drive over them for a longer distance.
Installation Material
The manufacturers who specialize in traffic safety products use different materials for equipment construction. Speed bumps are built from rubber & plastic. So you can install and remove them easily. But, Speed humps are made of gravel or asphalt, that are harder for you to place them.
Purpose
Well, speed bumps are designed to slow down traffic over a short distance. For example, areas with heavy foot traffic, parking lots, and driveways. In contrast, you can use speed humps on roads to reduce the overall speed of your vehicles over a longer distance.
Speed Reduction Range
We know that speed bumps and speed humps differ in how much they reduce your speed. Therefore, you will notice a more sudden slowdown at speed bumps. Furthermore, over the speed humps, your car gets a smoother transition.
Visibility Needs
Speed bumps and speed humps both need different visibility levels. High clarity is required by speed bumps because they are shorter and can surprise you if not marked. Due to its wider shape, speed humps don’t need as many visual warnings. You can easily spot them from a far distance.
Feel When Driving Over
If you are going fast on the road, speed bumps give your car a quick hit. As a result, they make you slow down your car suddenly. That’s why it feels rough for your vehicles. But, speed humps are not as harsh and feel smoother when you go over them.
Cost to Install Speed Humps and Speed Bumps
If we compare the cost of both, speed bumps and speed humps vary in their costs. This difference is due to their shapes, features, and benefits. Speed bumps are available at cheaper rates because they are made of rubber or plastic. On the other hand, speed humps cost little more due to their larger size and stronger materials
Impact on Traffic Flow
We can see that speed bumps slow traffic more, which forces you to stop and go slowly. While, speed humps allow you to slow down without stopping your vehicles. In this way, it maintains a smoother and easier traffic flow for you as well.
Related Traffic Calming Devices You Should Know
Local government authorities and transportation departments also use other safety equipment for the welfare of people. With these tools, you can help ensure a safer environment for yourself and everyone who drives on the roads.
What is a Speed Table?
Speed tables are used to slow down your automobiles and control the traffic flow more fluently. Furthermore, the major standout feature of speed tables is that they are wider and flatter.
In this way, they can cover the whole street so that you and other drivers can maintain your car’s speed and get protection from any sudden disaster. Plus, they usually raise about 3 to 5 inches and span the full width of the road. Unlike other tools, it does not cause much disruption for you while driving.
Where Speed Tables Are Installed?
Placed in areas where traffic needs to be slowed down. You can find them in places like residential neighborhoods, school zones, parks, and near busy pedestrian areas.
What is a Speed Cushion?
Well, speed cushions are specially designed for emergency vehicles so that they can pass through more easily. As compared to other speed tools, they only cover a certain part of the road.
In addition, speed cuisine can reduce your auto speed without affecting larger vehicles. This helps you and emergency vehicles navigate safely. With its decent height (3 – 4 inches), they offer you gentle but efficient traffic control.
Where Speed Cushions Are Installed?
You can use them where you and others need added protection. For example: high-traffic areas, narrow lanes, pedestrian crossings and hospital zones.
Comparison Between Speed Table & Speed Bump
Structural Differences
- Speed tables are longer, flatter, and wider. Their shapes allow you to extend them across the entire street.
- Speed bumps are shorter, steeper, and higher. With their help, you can only cover a section of the road.
Practical Applications
- If we talk about speed tables, they work better in areas with regular vehicle traffic. Plus, it is an ideal option for you when you need to decrease speed smoothly across a larger area.
- Speed bumps are often used in parking lots or low-traffic zones. You can pick them where a quick and significant speed reduction is necessary to ensure safety.
Ride Comfort / Traffic Flow
- You can get a smoother ride and better traffic flow with speed tables due to their unique, wider, and flatter design.
- However, steeper structures of speed bumps cause more discomfort and slow traffic down more.
Comparison of Speed Tables, Humps, Cushions & Bumps
| Main Aspects | Speed Humps | Speed Bumps | Speed Cushions | Speed Tables |
| Vehicle Impact | Moderate & gentle fall | High and sharp impact | smooth and elongated | Very Low/long & smooth crossing |
| Installation Versatility | Residential & urban street | Private roads and parking lot | Work on multiple areas | Pedestrian & heavy crosswalks |
| Water Drainage | Average and solid structure can block water | Continuous bump causes water pooling | Excellent due to gaps between cushions | Poor & flat top may cause minor water collection |
| Supports for Emergency Transit | Cause a delay to emergency vehicles | Significantly slow down all vehicles | Gaps allow wide vehicles to pass without slowing down | Can slow larger vehicles slightly |
Traffic Control Regulations For Speed Bumps and Humps
The law and requirements for speed bumps & humps can be different and totally depend on where you live or which is your state/county. HOAs (Homeowners Associations) may set up bumps & humps, but they still need to follow local laws.
- Speed bumps and humps must be at least 250 feet away from traffic signs or signals and 50 feet from intersections.
- They should not be placed next to a property if the person living there does not agree.
- Speed bumps should have height about 3 to 6 inches and speed humps height will be 3 to 3.5 inches.
- You can install a speed hump where the road has a speed limit of under 35 mph.
- You should place speed bumps and humps about 20 to 150 meters apart. But 70 meters usually works best for you.
Best Places To Install Speed Humps and Speed Bumps
You can place speed humps and speed bumps in locations where you want to slow down traffic and ensure safety for everyone. The following are some ideal sites for you to consider.
- School zones
- Residential streets
- Parking lots
- Hospital driveways
- Playgrounds
- Gated communities
- Shopping centers
- Private roads
- College campuses
- Near pedestrian crossings
Do Speed Bumps Damage Cars?
We will say yes, speed bumps can potentially damage your car. It happens if they are not driven over properly or if your car has low clearance. Moreover, when you go too fast across speed bumps, it can harm your tires, suspension, and undercarriage.
On the other hand, if speed bumps are built properly with the right height and shape, they are safe to drive over. In such cases, they won’t harm your car as long as you drive slowly.
Are There Disadvantages To Have Speed Humps on My Street or on Neighboring Streets?
Yes, there can be some drawbacks if you install speed humps on your street or nearby roads. Some of them are:
- For drivers and passengers, speed humps can create a bumpy and uncomfortable ride.
- Speed humps may slow down emergency vehicles, which could delay response times.
- Over time, speed humps can wear down and you have to make repairs which means extra maintenance costs.
- Well, your cars can also make more noise as they go over speed humps.
- Sometimes, drivers may avoid streets with speed humps by taking alternative routes that can potentially cause traffic problems elsewhere.
To Summarize
Now you can see what are the main differences between speed bumps and speed humps. So, it is easier for you to pick the right one. We recommend that you consider traffic flow, material and comfort too because every detail matters when you purchase them.
However, if you need high-quality traffic calming tools, JACKWIN has a complete range ready to ship. Contact us now for customized solutions for your projects.
