ROAD HUMP Meaning and
Definition
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A road hump, commonly known as a speed bump or a speed hump, is a traffic-calming device that is designed to reduce vehicle speeds on public roads. It is constructed as an elevated portion of the road surface, usually made of asphalt or concrete, with a gradual rise and fall. The purpose of road humps is to slow down vehicles, improving safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users.
Road humps are typically installed in areas where speeding is a concern, such as residential neighborhoods, school zones, or areas with high pedestrian activity. They are strategically placed to limit the speed at which vehicles can traverse them, forcing drivers to slow down. This helps to prevent accidents, as reduced speeds give drivers more time to react to unexpected hazards on the road.
Road humps work by inducing discomfort and inconvenience to drivers who approach them at high speeds. When a vehicle approaches a road hump, the suspension is momentarily compressed, causing a jolt and discomfort to the occupants. This serves as a visual and tactile reminder for the driver to reduce their speed. Road humps are typically marked with clear signage and painted markings to provide advance warning and ensure their visibility to motorists.
While road humps are effective in reducing speeds, they can also have some drawbacks. They may cause inconvenience to emergency vehicles or buses, requiring them to slow down or straddle the humps. Additionally, road humps can contribute to increased noise levels and vibrations for nearby residents. Despite these limitations, road humps remain a commonly used traffic-calming measure to promote safer roads.
Common Misspellings for ROAD HUMP
- eoad hump
- doad hump
- foad hump
- toad hump
- 5oad hump
- 4oad hump
- riad hump
- rkad hump
- rlad hump
- rpad hump
- r0ad hump
- r9ad hump
- rozd hump
- rosd hump
- rowd hump
- roqd hump
- roas hump
- roax hump
- roac hump
- roaf hump
Etymology of ROAD HUMP
The etymology of the word "road hump" is relatively straightforward.
The word "road" comes from the Old English noun "rād", which referred to a path or a way. It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic root "raidō" meaning "to ride" or "a ride", which is also related to the modern English word "ride".
The term "hump" originated from the Middle English noun "hump" or "huppe", which meant a rounded protrusion or a hunch. It ultimately derives from the Old Norse word "hǫmb" meaning "to swell" or "swelling".
When combined, "road hump" refers to a raised section on a road designed to slow down or control vehicle speed. The term likely emerged as an accurate and descriptive way to describe the physical shape and purpose of this traffic calming measure.
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