Traffic Control Methods And Their Hazards

Every device used for traffic control has benefits and disadvantages. Some which could be a mistake in one situation could be ideal in another. But this makes it especially critical you carefully look at the options before deciding which measures and devices are a decent fit for your area. Whether you’re with a local administration that makes these decisions, or you are a resident who needs to stay informed and help shape your community, a glance at some of the concealed dangers in some traffic slowing measures will help you make better choices.

Speed bumps, as an example, will slow down traffic. This is a fact. Most autos can’t smoothly roll over such a bump going faster than the speed limit, which would usually be somewhere between 20 and 30 mph anywhere a speed bump might look like a good idea. Unfortunately, many automobiles have to just about stop to go over them. This is awkward. But there’s an even bigger problem, and that’s the risk for harm.

One danger of using speed bumps is that some drivers will simply swerve to avoid them, driving off the roadside, presumably in the path where people bike or walk. Motorbikes have to slow to go over speed bumps, too. Some can’t go over them, but need the type with gaps to drive thru. Others swerve around. This makes for a very unsafe situation. The bumps also slow emergency vehicles, regularly doubling the time ambulance and fire trucks take to get to waiting in need.

Rumble strips could cause issues for people on bikes who must travel over them. And physical devices like concrete barriers between roads and bike trails can actually trap cycle riders in, which might be dangerous if they need to move out of the way fast.

Signs like those from TraffiCalm don’t cause vehicles and motorcycles to swerve or just about stop to navigate a hump. They also won’t prevent problems with foot traffic or bicyclists. The signs are installed with a regular speed limit sign. They display each driver’s speed back as cars approach, causing the majority of drivers to naturally slow.

Click here for a traffic slowing measure that won’t cause other traffic problems and contact TraffiCalm Systems today.