Buying guide for speed bumps is not every day’s activity, neither should it be left to anyone. A lot goes into designs, material and size to categorize if the speed bump sign is worthy. Whereas coloring and ease of reading also determine the purchase decision, we should consider durability to make the investment worthwhile. This article puts into perspective the elements to consider before purchasing guide for speed bumps.
Type and Use of the Speed Bumps
Speed bumps on our roads help control the speed of vehicles, especially in a densely populated area. Speed bump guides indicate to the driver or other road users the bumps ahead, requiring them to be cautious and slow down. It also helps road users avert fatalities as there are many human activities in the area.
Buying guides for speed bumps should factor in the type of speed bumps. The 3 main speed bumps include:
Speed humps are the smallest in the category and are at least 4 at one place. The guide for these humps is smaller, showing 2 or 3 smaller humps. The aim is to reduce speed, especially when the road user approaches a town. They also warn the driver of speed bumps ahead.
Speed bumps are the most common, especially in residential areas. You will find them near a school, within the neighborhood and on a corner. The aim is to slow down the vehicle completely since the bump is high.
Speed tables are longer than the average bump and are mostly found on highways. The aim is to control the speed and signal human or animal habitation. In some cases, these bumps act as pedestrian or animal crossing. The guide has trapezoid zebra signs.
Color of the Speed Bump Guide
Those travelling at night might not see these guides. The painting on the guide should be distinct, mostly a black drawing on a white background. On the edges of the signboard, it should have a red color, which is a color associated with danger. The bottom line is using reflecting colors to attract and reflect light. Get the right color shades since not all bright colors reflect light.
Place of Purchase
To get the right quality, color scheme and design, consider buying guide for speed bumps in authorized shops. The government’s transport department usually has utility shops where one can buy them. They might be expensive but are of the right quality. In some instances, the government may appoint specific companies to manufacture and sell, but they must follow due procedures.
Always verify the validity of the shop selling these speed bump guides to avoid buying substandard signs. Report any imposter or dealer selling these signs with no proper registration from relevant authorities.
Technology Used to Make the Sign Guide
The standard paint speed bump guide has been around for quite some time. However, there are more innovative ways of creating speed bumps. Instead of painting, the board is electric, with different flashlights of different colors. Instead of reflecting light, they beam to show a speed bump ahead.
The advantage of this speed bump guide is that the user can customize it to any road sign since the board is editable. These signs are used at checkpoints and other controlled environments. The bumps can be raised or lowered to allow traffic in and out of the controlled zones.
Cost
Different types of speed bump signs cost differently, based on the technology and raw material used. The classic painted signs are the most affordable, although it depends on the size. Big signs cost more than small ones, although the marginal variance is insignificant.
Digital signs are more expensive to buy and maintain. Energy cost and customizing need regular human presence, making it costly to maintain. However, you can use one sign for multiple activities, making it suitable, especially in controlled areas.
Conclusion
You should consider several factors when buying guide for speed bumps. The main one is the type of bump since there are several types used for different reasons and circumstances. Others are operational reasons which revolve around its usability and suitability, especially in controlled areas. The advent of digital road signs has made road sign creation simpler and cost-effective. However, the underlying theme is sign clarity, both day and night, and cost-effectiveness. Since we cannot prefer a speed bump sign over another, we should use either where it fits.