Speed bumps are one of the most used measures to slow down traffic on HOA roads. However, not all homeowners are happy to have these traffic-calming devices in their community. If you are still undecided about speed bumps, take the time to learn about their pros and cons, as well as speed bump regulations that will affect the installation process.
In this article:
Everything You Need to Know About Speed Bump Regulations on Private Property
A speed bump belongs to a family of traffic-calming devices, which also includes speed humps. Speed bumps and speed humps are raised portions of a paved roadway surface. They appear as transverse ridges that extend across roadways. Both have the same purpose — which is to slow down traffic on roadways. However, they are different in terms of height and length. Here’s how to differentiate between speed bumps vs humps.
How High Are Speed Bumps vs Humps
A speed hump typically has a height of 3 to 3.5 inches and a length of 12 to 14 feet. Meanwhile, a speed bump has a height of 3 to 6 inches and a length of 1 to 3 feet. There are no speed humps and speed bumps size limitations so their exact dimensions will vary. Nevertheless, speed bumps are generally taller and narrower than speed humps.
What Is the Impact of Speed Bumps vs Humps
Speed bumps and humps have a different impact on vehicles. Speed humps can slow vehicles down to 15 to 20 miles per hour (mph). For speed bumps, it’s 5 to 10 mph. Thus, speed bumps are more aggressive and can cause more discomfort to these vehicles.
Where Can You Install Speed Bumps vs Humps
Speed bumps and humps are not typically used on public roadways such as highways. However, they may be installed on busy streets to increase the safety of pedestrians who are crossing the street.
Speed bumps and humps are more commonly seen on private roads such as parking lots, driveways, apartment complexes, and HOA neighborhoods.
Speed Bumps and Speed Humps Private Roads Regulations
Speed hump and speed bump regulations may vary depending on your state or county. For instance, in Florida, speed bumps are only allowed in communities that maintain their private roads. It cannot be installed on public roadways. Meanwhile, in Ohio, homeowners must first submit a petition before they can be considered eligible for speed bump installation.
Depending on your location, there may also be additional speed bump laws or regulations such as a minimum distance between speed bumps or humps (300 to 600 feet apart), obtaining approval from emergency services, and retaining the street curb and gutter to make way for cyclists and drainage.
HOA Speed Bumps Pros and Cons
If you want to know why not all homeowners want to have speed bumps in their HOA community, learn about the pros and cons of speed bumps.
Pros of Speed Bumps in Your HOA
1. Increased Safety and Consideration for Homeowners
Speed bumps force vehicles to slow down so they help make roads safer for homeowners who may be walking along the street. Older homeowners or homeowners with small children are more amenable to the installation of speed bumps because of the safety benefits they provide.
2. Fewer Vehicular Accidents
Speed bumps are very helpful in areas where there are blind spots and tight spaces. By slowing down oncoming traffic, speed bumps can result in fewer vehicular accidents in your community.
3. Decreased Severity of Injuries in Case of Collision
Speed humps help reduce the severity of injuries that homeowners may sustain in case there is a collision or crash. Thus, there is also a lower risk of liabilities for the association.
4. Increase Compliance to Speed Limits
In larger HOA communities, it will be hard to monitor and apprehend difficult homeowners who refuse to follow traffic rules. Even with proper signs and markings, some homeowners will continue to go over the limit. With speed bumps, speedsters have no choice but to slow down and comply with the speed limit.
Cons of Speed Bumps in Your HOA
1. Slows Down Emergency Service Vehicles
Speed bumps can cause a significant delay in the response times of emergency services. It will take emergency vehicles an additional 20 to 30 seconds to get through each speed bump. This time is crucial when dealing with life or death situations.
2. Increased Air Pollution
Speed bumps can increase air pollution in your area. This is due to the extra braking and acceleration that is needed to get through a speed bump.
Vehicles will end up consuming more fuel and emitting smog on roads with one or more speed bumps.
3. Increased Noise Levels
Many homeowners are against speed bumps because they only force drivers to slow down temporarily. After getting through the speed bump, vehicles will quickly accelerate which produces a revving sound. Thus, noise levels may actually increase due to speed bumps.
4. Cause Inconvenient Issues
Speed bumps are very inconvenient for homeowners who ride their bicycles. HOA speed bump size may also become a tripping hazard for older residents, especially those who use walking aids. They can cause many other inconveniences such as improper drainage and water pooling.
5. Decreased Property Values
Speed bumps can reduce property values because of their unsightly yellow and black color scheme. Their raised profile is also not very pleasing to look at. Apart from aesthetic reasons, prospective homebuyers may also avoid properties with speed bumps because they don’t want to deal with the inconveniences on a daily basis.
HOA Speed Bumps Installation Considerations
With valid pros and cons, the decision to install speed bumps may be up to the discretion of the board members. Before making a final decision, here are some factors to consider.
- Homeowner Support: Does the HOA have the support of homeowners? You may want to proceed with speed bump installation if there is a petition or enough demand from homeowners.
- Approval from Emergency Services: Contact your fire department and other emergency services to see if they will approve of the speed bump. They may impose certain requirements such as specific dimensions, placement, and additional signage.
- Available Funds: Does the HOA have enough funds to install speed bumps? It can cost about $1,000 to $1,500 to install a single speed bump. Speed bumps may be considered a capital improvement so it is worth pursuing if you have enough reserves. If there is a pressing security concern, levying a special assessment for speed bumps may be justified.
- Insurance Coverage: Will your insurance cover potential damages, injuries, or other liabilities caused by speed bumps? You may need to update the HOA insurance policy before installing speed bumps to ensure adequate coverage.
- Consult Professionals: As with any other major HOA decision, it can be very helpful to consult professionals such as an HOA management company or HOA attorney. They can guide the HOA board on speed bump regulations and proper installation.
Abide by Speed Bump Regulations to Enhance Safety in Your HOA
Speed bumps are an effective way to make your HOA roads safer. However, in order to combat the potential disadvantages, board members should make sure that they are complying with the speed bump regulations in your area. Proper installation with qualified contractors and high-quality materials can also increase their effectiveness. When done properly, speed bumps can be a great addition to your community.
If you need further assistance with speed bump regulations, consider the benefits of hiring an HOA management company like Elite Management Services. Do not hesitate to call us today at (855) 238-8488 or email us at help@emspm.com.
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