Speed bumps are important for safety but in many cases they can also be very dangerous, now the new speed bumps will be intelligent.
Speed bumps represent a very important element in ensuring the safety of motorists and pedestrians. However, while they are designed to reduce vehicle speeds and protect the vulnerable, such as pedestrians and cyclists, on the other hand they can also present significant risks, especially for motorbike drivers.
The dilemma between safety and danger has always been a central issue in the debate on road design, but now there seems to be an innovative solution: the new smart speed bumps.
Traditional speed bumps are often considered one of the most effective solutions for reducing vehicle speed in areas with high traffic density or near schools and residential areas. However, their effectiveness in preventing accidents comes with a number of risks. L
A sudden reduction in speed can cause a loss of control, with potentially serious consequences for the driver and other road users. According to estimates from several road safety organizations, Speed bumps can contribute to a significant number of crashes each year, with consequences ranging from minor injuries to tragic fatal outcomes.
Intelligent slowdowns: a new frontier for road safety
Speed bumps have long been a challenge for motorists, with local governments using them more and more frequently to regulate traffic. However, in addition to testing drivers’ patience, these road obstacles can inflict damage to vehicles’ wheels and suspension. In response to this issue, a Spanish company, Badennova has developed an innovative solution: the “intelligent artificial speed bump”.
This device, filled with a non-Newtonian fluid, dynamically adapts to the speed of the vehicle. If approached at the correct speed, the bump offers reduced resistance, ensuring a smooth crossing. However, if the speed exceeds the permitted limit, the fluid suddenly increases its consistency, creating a more pronounced obstacle. Also financed by the European Union, this intelligent retarder promises to improve road safety thanks to its biodegradable, non-toxic and non-polluting nature.
The tactic of intelligence: interactive road bollards
An alternative solution to regulate traffic speed comes directly from Mexico, thanks to Inteligencia Vial. This ingenious system involves the use of electromechanical road bollards, whose operation is regulated by a control unit. Sensors along the road constantly monitor the speed of approaching vehicles, allowing the bollard to raise or lower in real time.
If a vehicle exceeds the permitted speed limitthe bollard rises, creating a clear obstacle. However, the real cunning of the system lies in its ability to also predict and react to driver maneuvers. Thanks to a series of sensors positioned along the road section preceding the bollard, the system is able to identify vehicles that suddenly lower their speed before reaching the obstacle. In this way, it guarantees effective speed control, improving road safety for all road users.
