Studies indicate that low speeds, especially those below 35 km/h, dramatically reduce the risk of death in traffic accidents (Rosen and Sander, 2009). Creating safer cities when cars are present means balancing the inherent tension between vehicle speed and the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and motor vehicle occupants (Dumbaugh and Li, 2011).
Traffic calming measures involve physically altering the design or geometry of the road to actively or passively slow traffic. The measures can induce drivers to drive more carefully and to reduce speed, resulting in a reduction in accidents, better conditions for cycling and a greater tendency to give preference to spots. These measures are especially important in the surroundings of commercial areas, schools, parks, recreation areas, religious places of worship and community centers. They can be applied with a measurement network, which is known as a traffic calming area.
Among the various solutions available on the market today, we have come to talk about Speed Reducing Cushions, better known as Berlin Cushions or ARV’S.
Speed Bumps (ARV’S) are traffic calming devices.
ARV’S are installed along the axis of the track. These pads force cars to slow down, but they are different from traditional speed bumps, as they allow heavy vehicles and emergency vehicles, such as buses and ambulances, to move better without having to step over them, creating greater comfort for passengers.
Main features:
▪The speed reducing pads are narrower than the width of the track and have a rectangular or square shape.
The basic design of speed bumps is very similar to speed bumps, but with modifications to accommodate wider vehicle widths than cars. The width of each pad is intentionally designed so that wider axle vehicles, such as emergency vehicles and buses, do not hit them when passing, unlike smaller passenger vehicles forced to cross over the raised area.
Main benefits:
▪Reduce vehicle speed and help to reduce the number and severity of accidents.
Avoid excessive discomfort or damage to emergency vehicles and buses due to the separation between the pads.
▪They are cheaper compared to concrete speed bumps and most cities report that they have the same effectiveness.
▪They are easy to install, remove and maintain.
Evidence
Experience in the United States shows that speed bumps have the same effectiveness, in terms of speed control, as speed bumps of the same height and length.
