The Effect of Speed Bumps on Vehicle Speed in Residential Areas

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of speed bumps on vehicle speeds in residential neighborhoods. Data were collected through a field survey of instantaneous speeds using a stopwatch. The study site was selected within an urban area in a residential area in the city of Al Qubbah, east of Libya. Descriptive statistics and the non-parametric Wilcoxon test were used. Instantaneous vehicle speeds were measured before, 50 meters from, and at the speed bump, and then again after the speed bump and at a distance of 50 meters. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used. Data analysis showed a decrease in vehicle speed at the speed bump compared to speeds before the bump, with the median value dropping from 42 km/h to 14 km/h. This reinforcement is clearly demonstrated in the results of the non-parametric Wilcoxon test, showing statistically significant differences at the 0.05 level. Furthermore, the comparison variables at the study site for both conditions (before the speed bump and at the speed bump) and (at the speed bump and after the speed bump) have a significance level of 0.000, which is less than 0.05. This confirms the effectiveness of speed bumps in reducing speed within residential areas. Finally, the study recommendations emphasized the need for the judicious use of speed bumps according to clear engineering standards, along with enhancing accompanying warning devices and suggesting alternative solutions such as special alarm systems for speed limits in urban areas, especially in educational districts and hospitals.