Speed breakers are installed on roads as a safety measure for vehicles to slow down and reduce accidents. However, they are increasingly becoming a danger rather than a protective measure. Incidents caused by improperly designed speed bumps have caused more harm than good.

Recently, an unmarked speed breaker in Gurugram sent cars ‘flying’, raising concerns of safety and creating significant risks for drivers. Taking a cue from this incident, Gujarat Samachar Digital took a test drive across the city to find out if speed breakers were made as per specifications and adhered to the Indian Road Congress (IRC) guidelines.

We covered several high-traffic areas, including S G Highway, Drive-in Road, AMC to Vasna Road, and Jamalpur. 

What the team found was concerning: several speed breakers were either uneven in size, improperly constructed, or damaged. These faulty speed bumps not only disrupt the smooth flow of traffic but also pose severe danger to commuters.

We found that none of the speed breakers met the crucial safety standards. Instead, many bumps lacked proper markings, and some were constructed unevenly, creating a hazardous situation for both vehicles and pedestrians.

As per the IRC, speed bumps must be clearly marked with triangular warning signs, and zebra crossings should be distinctly painted with black-and-white stripes to differentiate them from bumps. 

Dr Praveen Kanabar, president of the Ahmedabad Traffic Consultative Committee, highlighted the importance of these regulations, stating, “Speed bumps should have triangular signs placed at least 100 metres ahead of the bump. In addition, the bump itself should be painted with triangles to ensure better visibility.”

Dr Kanabar also emphasised the risks posed when speed bumps and zebra crossings are not clearly distinguishable. “If commuters cannot tell the difference between a speed bump and a zebra crossing, it can lead to serious accidents. This also puts pedestrians at risk, as they may mistakenly think they are crossing at a zebra crossing when they are not,” he explained.

One group that is especially vulnerable to these poorly constructed speed breakers are two-wheelers. Unlike four-wheelers, which can handle bumps and uneven surfaces more smoothly, two-wheelers are at a greater risk of losing balance or falling when encountering an uneven or poorly constructed speed breaker. The sudden impact caused by an unmarked or damaged speed bump can cause two-wheeler riders to lose control, leading to accidents, falls, and even serious injuries.

Even for cars, uneven or excessively high speed breakers can cause damage to the suspension system and affect the vehicle’s overall performance, leading to costly repairs.

According to Dr Kanabar, Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is responsible for maintaining and ensuring the safety of speed breakers on the city’s roads. 

Mirant Parikh, Deputy Municipal Commissioner of AMC, stated, “We have already issued an Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to the respective Additional Engineers regarding speed breakers. All new speed bumps will be constructed following IRC standard guidelines, and the installation process has already begun.  

In addition, we will analyse the existing speed breakers. Those requiring thermoplastic markings or reconstruction will be modified and redone. Furthermore, we will install warning sign boards near speed breakers to ensure commuters are aware of their presence. We aim to complete this process within the next two months.”

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