The complete list of speed bump types

Speed bumps are one of the common traffic calming techniques. We have a dedicated article about everything about speed bumps.

They serve different purposes; however, they are normally used to reduce traffic volume and speed in street parking, school zones, and roads.

Signs and markings are placed around the sites having speed bumps to inform the oncoming traffic of their presence. They calm traffic in slow zone areas which is very effective in reducing the rate of annual fatalities due to road accidents.

Speed bumps are available in the market in many different forms, which can be categorized into many types. Below is the list of the main types of speed bumps.

Speed bump also called rubber speed ramp built with several parts, connected by a strong inter-locking system

Discover here our full range of Speed Bumps and Speed Humps!

Types of speed bumps based on their placement location

Speed bumps are traffic calming devices like speed humps, speed tables, signage, ramps, cushions, pavement markings, and traffic signals that are installed in different locations to control traffic volume and reduce accidents. They are effective traffic-calming techniques.

This traffic safety device can be installed in several places. Below are types of speed bumps based on locations.

Highway speed bumps

A speed bump installed on main roads for public safety is called a highway speed bump. It is installed to reduce vehicle collision risk around high-traffic areas such as road intersections.

Since main road vehicles move at high speed, traffic signs must be before a speed bump to warn drivers beforehand.

Driveway speed bumps

Driveways leading to commercial and public places usually have a high traffic flow. Driveway speed bumps are mainly installed on driveways to slow down traffic to reduce the chances of an accident.

Gravel road speed bumps

Gravel road bumps are installed to force high-speed motorists, bicyclists, buses, and cars to reduce their speed below 10 mph. It decreases gravel propel, which is harmful and unpleasant for pedestrians.

Dirt road speed bumps

Local municipalities install this speed control device on dirt roads to decrease the spread of dirt and the hazard of accidents by implicating speed-limit.

The braking distance of a dirt road is also longer, which can risk lives. Installing speed bumps, speed humps, speed signs, and stop signs is crucial.

Garage speed bumps

Speeding vehicles in a garage can hurt pedestrians and damage surrounding vehicles. Speed limits imposed by garage speed bumps protect people and vehicles.

Parking lot speed bumps

To provide pedestrian safety, these traffic control devices are used in parking lots, where cars and pedestrians share space closely.

Learn more: Types of speed bumps based on their placement location.

Types of speed bumps based on their design/style

Speed bumps are manufactured in different styles and designs, which makes them serve many purposes. However, their primary role is to reduce the miles-per-hour speed of traffic.

On the basis of speed bump styles, they are divided into the following six main types.

Learn more: Types of speed bumps based on their design/style.

Below are some detailed introductions of these types:

Square speed bumps

They are square, which makes them resemble speed cushions. However, they are not as large as speed cushions. They are usually used in areas where traffic speed is below 50 mph.

Learn more: What are square speed bumps?

Circular speed bumps

Circular speed bumps can be applied at varying degrees of dispersal. You can use them to create one or more than one line to force the vehicles to reduce their speed greatly. They mostly come in white, yellow or black, making them more prominent.

Learn more: What are circular speed bumps?

Portable speed bumps

Portable speed bumps can be installed and removed easily. They are usually made up of plastic, rubber, or steel. They are primarily used to temporarily control high traffic flow. You can remove them when the traffic flow reduces and place them on a different site.

Learn more: 7 facts about portable speed bumps.

Rumble strips

The rumble strip is mostly installed on highways to alert sleepy or inattentive drivers of impending danger.

They create a vibration that alerts the driver and makes him realize he is moving incorrectly. Traffic data shows they effectively reduce highway crashes and save lives.

Rumble strips used to remind drivers to be careful

Learn more: 4 things you need to know about rumble stripes device.

Speed bumps with cable channels

Speed bumps with cable channels make a great cable protection solution. They are installed in sites where traffic can damage the laying cable. So, using these bumps, you can protectively place the cable in the channel.

Speed bumps for electricity generation

These speed bumps are designed such that they produce electricity due to the movement of vehicles on streets, roads, and highways.

Types of speed bumps based on their colours

Giving speed bumps a colour can make them more visible to road traffic. These colours make them prominent even in low-light areas or areas that do not have a traffic light at all. Speed bumps are commonly marked with black and white or black and yellow stripes.

Based on speed bump colours, they are divided into the following two types.

Learn more: Types of speed bumps based on their colours.

Black and yellow speed bumps

These speed bumps have black and yellow markings. They are more common than black and white bumps.

Learn more: Get to know about black and yellow speed bumps!

White and black speed bumps

They have black and white stripes that make them prominent in light as well as dark areas.

Conclusion

Speed bumps, speed cushions, speed ramps, traffic cones, traffic barriers, parking signs, speed limit signs, signposts, and other regulatory signs are all effective traffic calming measures.

They discourage the speed of oncoming traffic in traffic lanes and sites where vehicles directly interact with pedestrians, like school zones, roundabouts, cut-through roads, city streets, and crosswalks. Road signs must be installed on curbs to inform city traffic of the bump’s presence.

Bumps in the road come in a variety of types. Each type is suitable for a particular area and function. You should select a type that you believe is more suitable for your neighbourhood or the site where you want to install speed bumps.