Residents are not fond of City of Detroit Speed Hump Program

Speeding is a primary factor in accidents. To counter that problem there are traffic calming tools; speed limits, round abouts, signs, speed humps and speed bumps are among strategies to calm traffic. "It's uncomfortable for drivers and can also cause damages to your car," says Detroit resident Meach. He is talking about the speed humps that are on every street like liquor stores in the city of Detroit.

Detroit plans to close out the year with 5,200 speed humps completed. Plenty of research will reveal that yes, speed humps can cause damage to vehicles, it all depends on the approach. Speed humps can mess up cars' alignment, suspension, shocks, struts and frame. According to Sun Auto Service website, "Going over a speed bump at about 3 mph is very easy on your car."

While many use the terms speed bumps and speed humps interchangeable, they are distinct in their performance and size. Both are 2-4 inches high off the ground. Speed humps span 12-14 feet long, have less jolt, allows a travel speed of 15-20 miles per hour, and doesn't require a full stop. The advantages of speed humps are most drivers will slow down to avoid jarring their vehicle or choose another route,they are effective way to reduce speed and they do not take up parking spaces, according to the City of Detroit's, Speed Hump Installation Coming to Your Street flyer.

With speed humps on what seems like every street, it might be impossible to choose another route. "I think they are somewhat unnecessary in the amount," says long time Detroit resident Malinda Irwin.

Numerous reports advise avoiding speed humps on a daily commute, frequent basis will cause long term damage to alignment, shocks, struts and car joints. "We could prioritize leveling out a few," says Irwin. According to The Sydney Morning Herald speed humps also contribute to air pollution.

"When drivers speed up after having to slow down for a bump, they contribute more to air pollution than they would if they were driving smoothly," say The Sydney Morning Herald. According to the article report, "Often the traffic only needs slowing down because the roads had been inadequately designed and maintained." Many residents have voiced prioritizing the speed humps over resurfacing and pothole fills in the streets.

"Speed humps won't stop accidents; in fact, I believe an accident will be worse. You can't see them at night so imagine driving drunk speeding down this block," says Meach. There are many ways to make roads safer. Better design, pedestrian crossing, lighting and footpaths are the basic things.

The City of Detroit has started addressing the speeding issue in the city with their speed hump program allowing residents to request and even opt out of having one. The criteria for speed humps are based on DPD records of speeding and vehicle crashes, streets known as cut through, significant number of children and block valid request. Making safer roads require more than some speed humps, much like reducing air pollution involves more than getting rid of speed hump, but it would be a step to pleasant roads, happier citizens and a cleaner environment.