Experimental Analysis of the Adequacy of Speed Bumps in Terms of Driving Comfort

Speed bumps are commonly used as traffic calming devices to reduce vehicle speeds on urban road sections. However, their geometric design and implementation quality are critical not only for traffic safety but also for vehicle occupants’ comfort. If speed bumps are not designed in accordance with relevant standards, they may generate excessive vibration and negatively affect driver and passenger comfort. This study investigates the compliance of 10 different speed bumps with design standards and evaluates their effects on driver and passenger comfort. Field experiments were conducted using triaxial accelerometers at different vehicle speeds under two- and four-passenger loading conditions. The measured vibration data were evaluated using vertical acceleration and Overall Vibration Total Value (OVTV)-based comfort criteria. The results showed that only one of the examined speed bumps fully complied with the relevant design standards. The statistical results indicated that vehicle speed, speed bump type, passenger loading condition, and passenger position significantly influenced OVTVs. Overall, the study demonstrates that improperly designed or constructed speed bumps can substantially reduce vehicle occupant comfort. The proposed field-based evaluation approach can be used to assess existing speed bumps and support the design of safer and more ergonomic traffic calming devices.