18/07/2026
Are Speed Breakers Being Used in the Right Places?
Speed breakers should not be installed indiscriminately. Their purpose is to improve safety, but in many places they are placed where they create more problems than benefits.
At railway crossings, when a train approaches, the gates are closed either automatically or manually. Since vehicles are already required to stop, additional speed breakers are often unnecessary. They slow down traffic even when the crossing is open, reducing the smooth and quick clearance of vehicles.
Similarly, at school entrances, children usually cross the road only for a short period in the morning and afternoon. However, vehicles are forced to slow down over speed breakers throughout the entire day. This leads to unnecessary wear and tear on vehicle suspensions, increased fuel consumption, higher emissions, and more noise as drivers brake and accelerate repeatedly.
Another common mistake is placing speed breakers on the main road at intersections with smaller side roads. This unnecessarily slows traffic on the main road. A better approach is to install speed-calming measures on the side roads before they join the main road. Vehicles exiting the smaller roads should slow down, stop if necessary, and ensure the main road is clear before entering.
Road safety is essential, but traffic management should also be practical and efficient. Speed breakers should be installed only where they are truly needed and based on proper engineering studies. Poorly planned speed breakers inconvenience thousands of road users every day while increasing vehicle maintenance costs, fuel use, and pollution.
It is time for authorities to review existing practices and adopt smarter, more people-friendly road safety solutions.
Please share this to the government and officials.
