One of the most common methods for slowing traffic on HOA roads is the placement of speed bumps. However, not all residents are pleased with the presence of these traffic-calming devices in their neighborhood. If you’re still on the fence regarding speed bumps, read up on their benefits and drawbacks, as well as any speed bump restrictions that may impact the installation procedure.
Everything You Need to Know About Private Property Speed Bump Regulations
A speed bump is part of a traffic-calming device family that also includes speed humps. The elevated sections of a paved roadway surface are known as speed bumps and speed humps. They appear as transverse ridges that run parallel to the road. Both have the same goal in mind: to reduce traffic congestion on highways. They are, however, varied in height and length. Here’s how to tell the difference between a speed bump and a hump.
What Is the Difference Between Speed Bump and Humps?
A speed hump is usually 3 to 3.5 inches tall with a length of 12 to 14 feet. A speed bump, on the other hand, is 3 to 6 inches tall and 1 to 3 feet long. Because there are no size restrictions on speed humps and speed bumps, their exact proportions will vary. Speed bumps, on the other hand, are typically higher and narrower than speed humps.
What Is the Difference Between Speed Bump and Humps?
Vehicles react differently to speed bumps and humps. Vehicles can be slowed to 15 to 20 miles per hour using speed humps (mph). It’s 5 to 10 mph over speed bumps. As a result, speed bumps are more forceful, causing greater pain for these cars.
Where Can Speed Bump versus Humps Be Installed?
On public roads, such as motorways, speed bumps and humps are not commonly utilized. They may, however, be erected on busy roadways to improve pedestrian safety when crossing the street. Private roadways, such as parking lots, driveways, apartment complexes, and HOA neighborhoods, are more likely to have speed bumps and humps.
Private Roads Speed Bump and Humps Regulations
Depending on your state or county, speed hump and speed bump rules may differ. In Florida, for example, speed bumps are only permitted in municipalities that maintain their own roadways. It is not permitted to be put on public roads. Meanwhile, in Ohio, residents must first file a petition before being considered for the construction of speed bumps.
Additional speed bump rules or restrictions may apply in your area, such as a minimum distance between speed bumps or humps (300 to 600 feet), getting emergency services permission, and keeping the roadway curb and gutter to make room for bicycles and drainage.
Pros and Cons of HOA Speed Bump
Learn about the benefits and drawbacks of speed bumps in your HOA community if you want to understand why not all homeowners desire them.
Advantages of Speed Bumping in Your HOA
Increased Homeowner Safety and Consideration
Speed bumps cause automobiles to slow down, making roadways safer for residents who may be strolling along the street. Because of the safety benefits that speed bumps give, older homeowners or those with small children are more receptive to their installation.
Fewer Vehicle Collisions
In places with blind spots and limited spaces, speed bumps are quite useful. Speed bumps help reduce vehicular accidents in your neighborhood by delaying incoming traffic.
Less Serious Injuries in the Event of a Collision
In the event of an accident or crash, speed humps can assist homeowners suffer less severe injuries. As a result, the association’s risk of liability is reduced.
Improve adherence to speed limits
It will be difficult to monitor and capture problematic residents who refuse to observe traffic regulations in bigger HOA developments. Despite the presence of appropriate signs and markings, some homeowners will continue to exceed the limit. Speeders have no choice but to slow down and obey the speed limit when they encounter speed bumps.
Speed bumps in your HOA have a few disadvantages.
They slow down emergency vehicles.
Speed bumps can create substantial delays in emergency service response times. Each speed bump will take an additional 20 to 30 seconds for emergency vehicles to get past. When dealing with life and death circumstances, this time is critical.
Increased Pollution in the Air
Speed bumps can contribute to air pollution in your neighborhood. This is because passing through a speed bump necessitates more braking and acceleration. On roads with one or more speed bumps, vehicles will consume more gasoline and produce more pollution.
Noise Levels Have Increased
Many homeowners are opposed to speed bumps because they only compel cars to slow down for a short period of time. Vehicles will accelerate fast after passing through the speed bump, producing a revving sound. As a result, speed bumps may actually increase noise levels.
Create Inconvenient Situations
Homeowners who ride their bicycles find speed bumps extremely bothersome. For elderly homeowners, especially those who use walking aids, the size of HOA speed bumps might be a tripping danger. They can also create a variety of additional issues, such as clogged drains and water pooling.
Property Values Have Dropped
Because of its unattractive yellow and black color pattern, speed bumps can lower property values. Their elevated profile is likewise unappealing to the eye. Aside from cosmetic considerations, potential homebuyers may avoid houses with speed bumps because they do not want to cope with the difficulties on a daily basis.
Installation Considerations for HOA Speed Bump
With valid advantages and drawbacks, the board members’ choice to add speed bumps may be left to their discretion. Here are some things to think about before making a final decision.
Does the HOA have the support of its members? If there is a petition or significant demand from residents, you may wish to proceed with speed bump installation.
Check with your local fire department and other emergency services to see if the speed bump is acceptable. They may enforce certain size, location, and extra signage restrictions.
Is there enough money in the HOA’s budget to construct speed bumps? Speed bumps may be considered a capital improvement, so if you have the funds, it’s worth looking into. A special evaluation for speed bumps may be warranted if there is a compelling security issue.
Will your insurance cover potential speed bump-related damages, injuries, or other liabilities? To guarantee appropriate coverage, you may need to renew the HOA insurance policy before adding speed bumps.
As with any other significant HOA decision, consulting specialists such as a HOA management firm or a HOA attorney may be quite beneficial. They can advise the HOA board on speed bump placement and restrictions.
