School traffic at drop off and pick up times is heavy. In that period cars, buses, motorbikes, bikes, parents, teachers and students may all be found on the same roads and in the same entry ways. If we see vehicles going too fast in these areas we usually see an increase in accidents.

A Speed Breaker is a type of road safety measure put in place which gets drivers to reduce speed in areas that require it. At schools for example which is a location where controlled traffic flow is very much a plus we have students which may be walking on the roads, crossing at entrances, or going from parking to school buildings.

Rubber speed humps may be put in at certain points which will in turn help to control speed without us having to do extensive work to the road surface. Also they come in modular sections which allows for installation to match the width of the road or driveway.

What Is a Speed Breaker?

A Speed Breaker which is a raised traffic calming device is put on a road or driveway. As a car approaches it the driver has to slow down for a smooth passage.

Speed control breaks are used in which traffic is made to move at a regulated pace including:.

• School entrances
• Residential streets
• Parking areas
• Hospitals
• Parks
• Commercial areas
• Private roads
• Pedestrian-heavy locations

The aim is to reduce speed of traffic in areas which see heavy pedestrian and vehicle use.

Why Are Speed Breakers Useful Near Schools?

Schools see a different type of traffic which often does not resemble that of a typical road. At certain times we see a higher volume of vehicles, for instance during morning drop off and dismissal at the end of the day.

A Speed Breaker is a feature that causes drivers to slow down before they get to a busy intersection or pedestrian area. This in turn gives drivers more time to react to people which may be crossing or which are near the road.

Speed control issues are present in areas which see school entrances to be directly connected to parking areas, internal roads, or public streets.

How Does a Speed Breaker Control Vehicle Speed?

A speed control feature which changes how a vehicle performs on a certain road section. In most cases drivers will have to slow down before they cross it.

The results of which depend on:.

• Vehicle speed
• Speed breaker height and profile
• Road width
• Vehicle type
• Placement
• Warning signs and road markings
• Traffic conditions

Proper location is key. A speed breakers’ installation is for when it is to clearly serve safety and also where we see that drivers have the view to react properly.

Can Rubber Speed Breakers Be Used at School Entrances?

Rubber speed humps which may be used for some school access roads, internal carriageways and parking lots  as against permanent concrete units, rubber sections can be put in place in separate pieces.

Polycrafts has a range of rubber speed hump models in various sizes which include L-06, L-07, L-08, and L-09. Also our modular design allows you to put sections together to cover any road width.

Rubber speed humps may also be used for a traffic calming measure which does not require a permanent raised installation.

How Does Visibility Matter Around School Speed Breakers?

Speed breakers are more so when drivers have a clear view of them before they reach the hump. In poor visibility drivers tend to approach too fast or break suddenly.

Black and yellow patterns along with reflective elements improve the visibility of rubber speed breakers in which traffic is a factor at different times of the day.

Schools also put out appropriate warning signs and road markings in addition to speed control devices. These measures together present drivers with more clear information regarding changes in the road.

Where Should a Speed Breaker Be Installed Near a School?

The right place is based on the road design and traffic flow. For example:.

Near School Entrances

A speed hump which in turn will cause drivers to slow down at a point which is near to where students and parents are present.

Inside School Parking Areas

Internal parking lots also may see the need for controlled vehicle traffic which in turn includes areas that pedestrians also use.

Near Pedestrian Crossings

At an appropriate crossing which requires reduction of vehicle speed a speed control device may be put in.

Around Play Areas

Roads which run by playgrounds and around recreation areas see large numbers of kids nearby, therefore safe operation of vehicles is a must.

However we must take into account local traffic rules, road design, drainage, emergency access, and visibility.

What Role Do Wheel Chocks Play in School Parking Safety?

A Wheel Chock does what a Speed Breaker does not do. Speed Breakers are for reducing the speed of a moving vehicle, wheel chocks are for a stopped vehicle which we use to keep it from rolling.

In school parking lots we see that cars which are left unattended for long periods of time present an issue. In that regard we have wheel chocks which may be used as an extra solution for secure positioning of the vehicles.

For instance, in some parks’ facilities you may see that maintenance vehicles, buses, service vehicles, or even parked cars require special movement control.

Speed breakers and wheel chocks are for different stages of vehicle movement:.

Proper choice of products can help with traffic flow around school areas.

How Can Speed Breakers Help During School Drop-Off?

Drop off zones see a mix of moving and stationary vehicles. At drop off times parents may slow, stop for a bit, or enter and leave the school premises which are all while students are in the area.

A Speed Breaker will cause drivers to slow down in these areas, also which can make for a more controlled movement of the vehicles and gives drivers more time to react to change in conditions.

Schools may also run separate entry and exit times, use crossing areas, put on extra staff during busy times, and we may see more marked pedestrian routes.

Are Rubber Speed Breakers Suitable for Parking Areas?

Yes, in some parking areas rubber speed breakers are used.

Parking lots see a great deal of pedestrian traffic which in particular increases around schools, offices, shopping centers and public buildings. Also drivers may have to reduce speed as in some areas visibility is impaired by nearby parked cars.

A well placed Speed Breaker will seem to better slow down in those areas.

What Are the Benefits of Modular Rubber Speed Breakers?

Modular rubber speed breakers present which is to say that they feature.

Section-Based Installation

Individual sections of the road may be used.

Easier Handling

Rubber components do in large part go together easier than do large permanent concrete structures.

Reflective Visibility

Some rubber pieces have reflective elements which draw attention to the raised area for oncoming traffic.

Suitable for Different Locations

In parking lots, residential streets, at schools, hospitals, in parks, and other places which require traffic speed control.

Weather Exposure

Rubber traffic signs are made for outdoor use and may be used in which normal weather conditions present.

What Other Measures Can Improve School-Zone Safety?

A speed breaker is not to be used as the only safety solution around a school. A better traffic safety record may be achieved with a combination of measures.

Schools can consider:.

• Clearly marked pedestrian crossings
• Warning signs
• Road markings
• Separate pedestrian routes
• Controlled entry and exit points
• Adequate lighting
• Parking guidance
• During peak times staff and security personnel.
• Wheel Stoppers in appropriate parking spaces
• Wheel chocks for when vehicles are to be moved.

Regular check up is also very important. Damaged safety related equipment, worn out markings, blocked ways of walking, or which are placed in poor locations must be taken care of immediately.

What Should Be Checked Before Installing a Speed Breaker?

Before installation, it is best to conduct a careful analysis of the site’s layout.

Important points include:.

• Road width
• Traffic direction
• Average vehicle speed
• Pedestrian movement
• Visibility for approaching drivers
• Drainage
• Emergency vehicle access
• Existing signs and markings
• Local road-safety requirements

The installation of the speed breakers should follow the manufacturers’ instructions as well as local requirements.

Final Thoughts

School traffic zones see great benefit from proper management which is when cars and pedestrians are in the same space. A Speed Breaker is a solution to get lower car speeds at entrance areas, parking lots, crosswalks and other points which require controlled traffic flow.

Rubber speed breakers present a flexible solution for certain roads and also may have reflective elements which improve their visibility to drivers. Also we have other products which target different issues. For instance, Wheel Chocks are for parked cars not for use with moving traffic.

When a combination of speed control, pedestrian routes, signs, markings, parking management, and regular inspections is used, schools are able to present a more organized traffic environment for students, staff, parents, and visitors.

FAQs

What does a speed breaker do?

A speed breaker is used to get cars to slow down at which point controlled traffic flow is required.

May speed breakers be placed near schools?

Yes. They may be located at school access points, parking lots, crosswalks, and internal roads.

What are rubber speed humps?

They are rubber modular traffic calming solutions which may be connected in the road or driveway.

What is the use of Wheel Chocks?

Wheel chocks are used for when you need to add to the control of a parked vehicle’s movement.

Do speed breakers replace other school safety measures?

No. Signage, markings, pedestrian ways, lighting, parking control, and routine inspections also are.