> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.carexplore.com.au/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Do Speed Bumps in Australia Really Work? - URL: https://www.carexplore.com.au/do-speed-bumps-in-australia-really-work/ - Published: 2025-03-17T05:16:27.000Z - Updated: 2025-03-17T05:16:27.000Z - Description: Speed humps are designed to slow traffic and improve road safety. Learn how they work, their impact on accident rates, and alternative solutions. - Author: Dylan Anderson - Tags: Car News Speed bumps, also known as speed humps, are a familiar sight on Australian roads, but do they actually make our streets safer? As speeding remains one of the leading causes of road fatalities in Australia, understanding how speed bumps function and their impact on driving behavior is essential. [NSW Cracks Down: Speed Camera Trial Expands to All DriversNSW is rolling out average speed cameras for all vehicles, with enforcement starting July 1\. Here’s what drivers need to know.![](https://www.carexplore.com.au/content/images/icon/CarExplore-Favicon-1326.ico)CarExploreDylan Anderson![](https://www.carexplore.com.au/content/images/thumbnail/Average-Speed-Camera-1.webp)](https://www.carexplore.com.au/nsw-cracks-down-speed-camera-trial-expands-to-all-drivers/) ## How Speed Bumps Reduce Speed and Improve Safety Speed bumps are designed to slow down vehicles in high-risk areas, such as school zones, residential streets, shopping centers, and parking lots. These traffic-calming measures force drivers to reduce speed to avoid discomfort or vehicle damage. According to research by Budget Direct, the chance of a fit adult surviving a collision with a car traveling at 50 km/h is only **10%**, but that survival rate jumps to **90%** if the car is moving at 30 km/h. This highlights why reducing vehicle speeds is critical in preventing fatalities and serious injuries. A study in **Norway (2015)** found that speed humps reduced deaths and serious injuries by **49%**, while a **2016 study in the UK** reported a **36% reduction** in fatal and serious injury crashes in areas with speed bumps. > "The objective of the speed hump is to gradually lower the speed of traffic to reduce the chances and severity of injury to pedestrians." - [Speed Humps Australia](https://www.speedhumpsaustralia.com.au/what-is-the-function-of-a-speed-hump/?ref=carexplore.com.au) [NSW Driver Loses His License in 7 SecondsNSW driver loses license in just 7 seconds after reckless overtaking, speeding, and crossing double white lines, only to be caught by police.![](https://www.carexplore.com.au/content/images/icon/CarExplore-Favicon-1327.ico)CarExploreDylan Anderson![](https://www.carexplore.com.au/content/images/thumbnail/NSW-DRiver-loses-License-24.webp)](https://www.carexplore.com.au/nsw-driver-loses-his-license-in-7-seconds/) ## The Design and Effectiveness of Speed Humps Speed humps are typically **3-4 inches high** and extend across the width of the road. They are constructed from asphalt, concrete, or recycled rubber, with rubber humps being the most durable and least damaging to vehicles. Their design allows cars to maintain a steady speed while discouraging excessive acceleration. Unlike speed bumps, which are shorter and steeper, speed humps are less aggressive and reduce speeds gradually. Studies suggest that well-designed speed humps can lower average vehicle speeds by **10-25%**, significantly reducing accident risks. Proper placement is crucial. Poorly designed speed humps that are too steep can cause damage to vehicles and pose hazards for motorcycles and cyclists. They must also be spaced correctly—if placed too far apart, drivers may speed up between humps, negating their benefits. > "Speed humps must be gentle enough to ensure that emergency vehicles are not impeded." - [Steelmark](https://steelmark.com.au/blog/speed-humps/science-behind-speed-humps-improving-traffic-safety?ref=carexplore.com.au) [NSW P Plate’s Shocking Speed BustNSW P Platers wild speed bust on NSW’s Scenic Highway nets a huge fine and suspension![](https://www.carexplore.com.au/content/images/icon/CarExplore-Favicon-1328.ico)CarExploreDylan Anderson![](https://www.carexplore.com.au/content/images/thumbnail/NSW-P-Plate-Speed-Bust-1.webp)](https://www.carexplore.com.au/nsw-p-plates-shocking-speed-bust-2/) ## Alternative Traffic-Calming Measures While speed humps are effective, they are not the only solution for reducing speed. Other traffic-calming strategies include: - **Chicanes** – Curved road designs that force drivers to slow down. - **Raised Crosswalks** – Elevated pedestrian crossings that double as speed humps. - **Roundabouts** – Encourages lower speeds while maintaining traffic flow. - **Pedestrian Islands** – Provides safe crossing points for pedestrians. These measures can be combined with speed humps to enhance road safety further. [NSW Massive Trail Bike BustTrail bike chaos in NSW ends in arrests and impounds. Speed, drugs, and fines shake up the streets.![](https://www.carexplore.com.au/content/images/icon/CarExplore-Favicon-1329.ico)CarExploreDylan Anderson![](https://www.carexplore.com.au/content/images/thumbnail/NSW-Bikes-Taken-by-Police-5-2.webp)](https://www.carexplore.com.au/nsw-massive-trail-bike-bust/) ## Conclusion: Do Speed Humps Work? The evidence is clear—speed humps play a vital role in reducing vehicle speeds and preventing accidents. When properly designed and installed in high-risk areas, they create safer roads for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike. While they may sometimes be seen as an inconvenience, their life-saving benefits far outweigh any minor delay they cause. For more information on speed humps and their effectiveness, check out [Speed Humps Australia](https://www.speedhumpsaustralia.com.au/what-is-the-function-of-a-speed-hump/?ref=carexplore.com.au) and [Steelmark](https://steelmark.com.au/blog/speed-humps/science-behind-speed-humps-improving-traffic-safety?ref=carexplore.com.au). --- [Shocking Road Rage Attack on Uber Driver in SydneyShocking road rage attack on an Uber driver in Sydney’s Barangaroo caught on camera. See the wild incident and Reddit’s reactions.![](https://www.carexplore.com.au/content/images/icon/CarExplore-Favicon-1330.ico)CarExploreDylan Anderson![](https://www.carexplore.com.au/content/images/thumbnail/Screenshot-2025-02-20-at-10.12.29-am-12.png)](https://www.carexplore.com.au/shocking-road-rage-attack-on-uber-driver-in-sydney/) [NSW Police Bans Driver Until the Year 2117NSW Police arrest a 73-year-old driver banned until 2117 for driving while disqualified. Learn about the shocking case and its legal consequences.![](https://www.carexplore.com.au/content/images/icon/CarExplore-Favicon-1331.ico)CarExploreDylan Anderson![](https://www.carexplore.com.au/content/images/thumbnail/100-Year-Ban-on-Driving-3.webp)](https://www.carexplore.com.au/nsw-police-bans-driver-until-the-year-2117/)