What is speed retarders?

Speed retarders, also known as speed bumps or speed humps, are traffic calming measures used to reduce the speed of vehicles on roads and highways. They are usually made of rubber, concrete, or metal and are placed strategically on the road surface to slow down the vehicles. These speed retarders are usually installed in areas with a high pedestrian density, such as schools, hospitals, or residential neighborhoods.

The main purpose of speed retarders is to increase the safety of pedestrians and cyclists on the road. It achieves this by forcing drivers to reduce their speed, making it easier for pedestrians and cyclists to cross the road safely. Additionally, speed retarders have been found to reduce the rate of accidents in areas with a high risk of vehicular accidents.

Speed retarders come in different shapes and sizes, ranging from flat-top bumps to raised humps. There are also variations such as speed cushions, which reduce speed without affecting larger vehicles such as buses and trucks. The design of speed retarders must conform to the standards set by local authorities and must not cause damage to vehicles or create a noise nuisance.

However, some drawbacks of using speed retarders include increased noise pollution, discomfort for drivers and passengers, and increased maintenance costs. Therefore, the use of speed retarders should be carefully considered and implemented in locations where necessary to maintain road safety.