If you’ve been speeding on the road lately, you may have noticed some road speed bumps popping up at random locations. These are called “road speed bumps,” and they’re designed to slow down traffic in an effort to keep cars from going too fast on certain roads.
Some of you may neglect the fact that avoiding speed bumps is a must. However, if you are not careful, you may get into an accident as well.
In this article you will learn what a speed bump’s purpose is, the differences between a speed bump and a speed hump, how to correctly pass a speed bump, and more. Let’s get straight to the good stuff!
What is a Speed Bump?
Speed bumps are a more aggressive form of traffic management and are also used in places where pedestrians and cars are present, such as driveways and parking lots. Speed bumps are intended to slow drivers down to 2–10 MPH, making areas nearby safer for pedestrians.
While speed bumps can range from two to six inches high, they are narrower than speed humps. When paired with their height and travel distance, the result creates a sudden bounce in the vehicle. Speed bumps are far more uncomfortable to go over in comparison to speed humps and are used in smaller areas with less traffic but that are still pedestrian-heavy.
How Should I Travel Over a Speed Bump While Driving a Lowered Car?
Have you been witness to some creative driving to avoid the speed bump? But is there a “right” way to go over a speed bump?
Whether you should take it one wheel at a time, on the diagonal, or just go slow, the answer is simple. Just go slow—about 3 MPH or less is ideal.
A car’s suspension system is designed to deal with the terrain your vehicle will encounter. Regardless of whether your vehicle is lowered or not, the suspension needs to be lowered to a certain level so that the system performs efficiently.
Slow down, don’t apply the brakes until the top of the bump. Once there, release the gas and let the vehicle coast up the incline. The straighter your vehicle goes over the speed bump, the better.
How Do Low-Suspension Cars Go Over Speed Bumps?
When driving over enormous speed bumps, the best technique is to rake your vehicle over the obstacle. Make the angle as big as possible and aim for that angle while driving over the bump.
Alternatively, to avoid scratching your car’s undercarriage on speed bumps, this way the suspension is lowered on one side, allowing for greater clearance on the other.
The Best Ways to Avoid Speed Bumps While Driving Lowered Car
We will discuss the different ways to avoid road speed bumps. So, let’s get started.
When you are driving on the road, you will come across many different types of bumps. Some of them are barely visible road bumps, so you might get confused. However, careful driving will help you avoid these bumps.
There might be plenty of reasons why you should want to avoid road speed bumps, so we will give you couple of tips so you can be less annoyed while driving in your neighborhood.
Plan Your Car Trips Ahead
In order to avoid road speed bumps while driving a lowered car you should always plan your car trips ahead. It is always best to have a destination in mind before leaving your home.
If you know that certain street has a lot of bumps, especially high ones that are at risk for your car’s undercarriage, you should drive to a different street.
It is important to drive slowly in order to notice any bumps.
Avoid Driving While Intoxicated
It is the most common mistake among people. Driving under the influence of alcohol is a big no-no and I can guarantee you that you will feel sleepy while driving the vehicle. And you won’t be able to focus on the road, so you will end up getting into a road accident.
Always keep a distance between your car and the vehicle that is coming towards you.
Avoid Driving in Bad Weather
Rainy or snowy days can make the roads dangerous. Rainy or snowy days can make the roads dangerous and slippery. If you have to drive, be careful, slow down and avoid any dangerous situations at any cost.
Avoid Speeding
The second important thing to remember is that sometimes people speed up the vehicle to pass another vehicle. Being late to your meeting for a couple of minutes won’t hurt you, but if you speed up the vehicle, you might be in trouble. So, avoid speeding.
Use Proper Lighting
You will always need to keep your vehicle’s lights on while driving. Perfectly bright vision is the key to spotting a road bump. Nonetheless, a clear sight is not just important for that particular reason, but for being alert enough to react quickly in case of any kind of emergency.
Keeping Some Distance Between You and the Vehicle Ahead
You will always have to keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the vehicle that is coming towards you. Being too close to the vehicle ahead of you is a common mistake among people. So, always keep a safe distance.
Avoid Turning Your Head to the Side
This is another common mistake among people. While turning your head to the side, you will get an idea about how to pass through the road bump. Your focus should be only on the road ahead.
Avoid Overtaking on the Road
If you overtake, you increase the chance of encountering road bumps. Overtaking is only meant for emergency situations and only if the road signs allow you to do so. Otherwise, you might get punished with a ticket.
FAQ:
Do Speed Bumps Cause Excessive Suspension Wear?
If you hit a speed bump, you may notice that your car’s suspension system becomes compressed.
Even if the suspension does not bottom out, you are adding extra wear and fatigue when you hit a speed bump.
Are There Any Differences Between a Speed Bump and a Speed Hump?
The main difference between a speed bump and a speed hump is mainly in the height they have. Speed bumps sit taller and are pretty harsh to go through at higher speeds.
On the other hand, speed humps are very common and are less intimidating than speed bumps. They are also easier to drive over as the height is not as much of an issue.
How Bad Are Speed Bumps for Your Car’s Alignment?
Driving over the speed bumps too fast, even if they aren’t too high, can knock your wheels out of alignment. So, if you are driving and you see a bump in the road, you should adjust your speed accordingly. It’s important that you slow down as much as possible and avoid hitting the bump.
Conclusion
All in all, the best thing you can do for your car’s suspension is to slow down when going past road speed bumps. That way, you can be sure that your vehicle is as safe as possible.
Nonetheless, the obstacles are put on the road with a clear purpose and are inventions only to make a better life for all of the people on the road.
A speed bump is not a road hazard; it is a way to stop your vehicle and be more safe.