Have Speed Humps Reduced Car Accidents in Cincinnati

Understanding Speed Cushions and Humps

First, what is a speed cushion, and a speed hump? WCPO has a good video explainer on the different between a speed cushion, and a speed hump and how fast you should travel over both.

Defining a Speed Cushion

Speed Cushions are elongated raised sections of the street that only take up a portion of the road. They do not extend all the way across the street.

This design allows you to travel over them at the posted speed limit sign next to the speed cushion. Typically, you can go over Speed Cushions at 30 MPH.

That means typically you can go over Speed Cushions at 30 MPH.

Often, as Ohioans get used to speed cushions, people slow down to 5 miles an hour to go over them. However, you do not have to slow down that much.

You can go over them at the posted speed limit next to the cushion. While it may feel like a lot of movement, they are designed to be driven over at the posted speed limit.

Defining a Speed Hump

A Speed Hump is a raised portion of the street that extends all the way across the street.

Impact on Cincinnati Car Accidents

We asked ChatGPT if speed cushions in Cincinnati have actually reduced car accidents in Cincinnati. This is the answer we received:

Accident Reduction Confirmed

Yes, the installation of speed humps and cushions in Cincinnati has contributed to a reduction in car accidents in certain areas. For instance, after the city installed rubber speed cushions on Winneste Avenue, the percentage of vehicles exceeding the speed limit dropped from 95% to 11%.

Additionally, the average speed decreased from 37 mph to 20 mph. This significant reduction in speeding likely contributed to fewer accidents in that area.

Decreased Traffic Incidents

In areas where speed humps have been installed, such as certain roads in Cincinnati, there have been reports of decreased traffic incidents. Before the installation of speed humps, one person was injured in an auto collision every two years on these roads.

Since their installation, no injuries have been reported, indicating a positive impact on road safety.

Vision Zero Initiative

These measures are part of Cincinnati's broader "Vision Zero" initiative. This initiative aims to eliminate traffic deaths and severe injuries through traffic-calming projects across multiple neighborhoods.

While comprehensive city-wide accident data post-installation is not yet available, these localized reports suggest that speed humps and cushions have been effective in reducing speeding and related accidents in specific areas of Cincinnati.