What is the purpose of speed bumps?

Speed bumps serve primarily as a traffic calming measure designed to reduce vehicle speeds on roads, particularly in areas where there may be higher pedestrian activity, such as near schools, parks, and residential neighborhoods. By physically raising the roadway, speed bumps create a mild inconvenience for vehicles, encouraging drivers to slow down and thus promote safer driving conditions for all road users, including pedestrians.

While speed bumps can indeed be considered a traffic control device, their primary function is not to enforce rules or restrictions but to encourage a lower speed through design. They do not indicate speed limit changes or serve as warnings in the same way that signs do; their physical presence is what communicates the need for reduced speed. This makes them an effective tool in enhancing safety and reducing the likelihood of accidents in sensitive areas.