TRAFFIC CALMING Meaning and
Definition
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Traffic calming refers to a set of measures and techniques implemented to reduce the negative impacts of motor vehicle traffic on the safety, livability, and environment of urban areas. It aims to slow down vehicle speeds while making the overall traffic flow more consistent and predictable, thereby enhancing the safety and comfort of all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists.
These traffic calming measures are typically designed to discourage excessive speeding and aggressive driving behaviors, which are known to increase the risk of accidents and collisions. They often involve physical modifications to the road environment, such as speed bumps, raised crosswalks, chicanes, narrow lanes, road narrowing, roundabouts, and traffic islands, among others. These alterations are strategically implemented in specific locations, such as residential neighborhoods, school zones, and shopping districts, where traffic volumes are relatively high and conflicts between different modes of transportation are frequent.
The ultimate goal of traffic calming is to create an environment that encourages safer and more sustainable forms of transportation, particularly by prioritizing the needs of vulnerable road users. By making streets and intersections more pedestrian-friendly, traffic calming measures aim to foster walkability, promote active transportation, reduce vehicle emissions, and create more pleasant and desirable urban spaces. Additionally, traffic calming can contribute to noise reduction, improve air quality, and enhance overall quality of life in communities.
Common Misspellings for TRAFFIC CALMING
- rraffic calming
- fraffic calming
- graffic calming
- yraffic calming
- 6raffic calming
- 5raffic calming
- teaffic calming
- tdaffic calming
- tfaffic calming
- ttaffic calming
- t5affic calming
- t4affic calming
- trzffic calming
- trsffic calming
- trwffic calming
- trqffic calming
- tradfic calming
- tracfic calming
- travfic calming
- tragfic calming
Etymology of TRAFFIC CALMING
The word "traffic calming" combines two terms: "traffic" and "calming".
1) "Traffic": The word "traffic" originated from the Middle French word "trafic" in the 15th century, which referred to "trade" or "commerce". The term then evolved in English to refer to the movement of vehicles, people, and goods on roads or in public areas.
2) "Calming": The word "calming" comes from the verb "calm", which originated from the Old English word "cælan" meaning "to make calm or quiet". It has been used in the English language since the 14th century.
When combined, the term "traffic calming" refers to measures or techniques implemented to slow down or reduce speed, calm, and organize vehicular traffic in order to enhance safety and quality of life for pedestrians, cyclists, and residents in urban or residential areas.
