Speed bumpUruguay

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3. Speed bump

A speed bump is a raised traffic-calming device placed across all or part of a road to make drivers reduce their speed. It is commonly used near homes, schools, crossings, parking areas and other places where low vehicle speeds are important.

Speed bumps vary in shape, height and legal status. Drivers should approach them at a low, controlled speed and follow any warning signs or speed limits that apply.

Speed bump
Speed bump in Balneario Solís. (Uruguay)
Wikimedia.org • CITY_MVD • CC BY-SA
What is the purpose of a speed bump?

A speed bump is intended to physically reduce vehicle speeds. It encourages drivers to slow down in places where pedestrians, cyclists, children or local traffic may be present.

How can you recognise a speed bump?

A speed bump is a raised section extending across all or part of the road. It may be marked with contrasting paint, road markings or warning signs to make it more visible.

Is a speed bump the same as a speed table?

No. A speed bump or speed hump normally has a rounded profile. A speed table has ramps leading to a longer, flat raised section that may contain an intersection or pedestrian crossing.

Is a speed cushion the same as a speed bump?

No. A speed cushion is a narrower raised device that does not cover the full width of a traffic lane. Its design may allow buses and emergency vehicles to pass with less disturbance while still slowing smaller vehicles.

Is there a universal speed limit over a speed bump?

No. The legal speed depends on the country, traffic signs and road type. Even when no special limit applies, drivers must cross the device at a speed that is safe for the road, vehicle and passengers.

How should you approach a speed bump?

Check surrounding traffic, reduce your speed smoothly and approach in a straight line where possible. Avoid sudden braking immediately before the bump.

Should you brake while crossing a speed bump?

Most of the necessary braking should be completed before reaching the raised surface. Cross at a steady, low speed and avoid harsh braking or acceleration while the wheels are on the device.

Should you drive across a speed bump at an angle?

Normally not. Cross in the normal direction of the traffic lane unless the road layout requires otherwise. Driving diagonally may place the vehicle in the path of approaching or overtaking traffic.

May motorcycles and bicycles use a speed bump?

Yes. Riders should reduce speed, keep the vehicle stable and cross as directly as possible. Painted or wet raised surfaces may provide less grip.

Do pedestrians have priority at a speed bump?

Not automatically. A speed bump does not by itself create a pedestrian crossing. Pedestrian priority depends on crossings, traffic signals, signs and local law.

Does a speed bump change priority at an intersection?

No. The presence of a raised surface does not normally change the priority rules. Drivers must continue to follow traffic signs, signals and the ordinary intersection rules.

May you overtake on a speed bump?

Overtaking may be restricted by local law or signs. Even where it is not expressly prohibited, drivers should avoid overtaking when the raised surface, limited space or nearby vulnerable road users make the manoeuvre unsafe.

May you stop or park on a speed bump?

This depends on local law. Stopping or parking may be prohibited because the vehicle could obstruct visibility, traffic flow or the purpose of the traffic-calming device.

Can a speed bump damage a vehicle?

A correctly designed speed bump should be crossed safely at an appropriate speed. Crossing too quickly may damage tyres, wheels, suspension, bodywork or cargo and may cause passengers discomfort.

Does the road speed limit change after a speed bump?

Not necessarily. A special limit may apply only to the raised device, while a signed speed restriction or speed zone may continue beyond it. Drivers must follow the applicable signs and local rules.

Why do buses and emergency vehicles sometimes avoid speed bumps?

Raised devices can affect passenger comfort, emergency response and large vehicles. Some roads therefore use speed tables, cushions or other traffic-calming measures designed to reduce these effects.

1 Uruguay 2 Pedestrian warning 3 Speed bump 4 Stop sign 5 Roundabout 6 Railway crossing 7 Curve 8 Wrong-way driving 9 Traffic lights 10 Location marker 11 No parking 12 Reversing 13 Bus 14 Police 15 Ambulance 16 Pothole 17 Path 18 Particulates 19 Air pollution 20 Rush hour 21 Road code 22 Street gutter 23 Cargo bike 24 Forestry vehicle 25 Construction vehicle 26 Semi-trailer truck 27 Trolleybus 28 Speed pedelec 29 Delivery vehicle 30 Idling 31 Tow truck 32 Four-wheel drive 33 Bicycle 34 Motorcycle equipment 35 Rail track 36 Caravan 37 Trailer 38 Tow hitch 39 Siren 40 Convoy 41 Emergency vehicle lighting 42 Agricultural machinery 43 Electric bicycle 44 Electric vehicle 45 Pedelec 46 Quadricycle 47 Microcar 48 All-terrain vehicle 49 Van 50 Recreational vehicle 51 Scooter 52 Trikke 53 Personal mobility device 54 Skateboard 55 Segway 56 Kick scooter 57 Roller skates 58 Mailman 59 Hitchhiker 60 Toddler 61 Child 62 Disability 63 Motorail 64 km/h 65 mph 66 Speedometer 67 Ride height 68 Dirt road 69 Driving 70 Start-stop system 71 Manual transmission 72 Automatic transmission 73 Throttle 74 Tachometer 75 Steering wheel 76 Power steering 77 Visual scanning 78 Mirror 79 Fuel 80 Fuel gauge 81 Petrol 82 Diesel 83 Diesel exhaust fluid 84 Car insurance 85 First aid kit 86 Fire extinguisher 87 High-visibility clothing 88 First aid 89 Concrete step barrier 90 Barriers 91 Vehicle lights 92 Street lights 93 Dipped beam 94 High beam 95 Fog lights 96 Front fog lights 97 Rear fog lights 98 Side lights 99 Turn signals 100 Hazard lights ...