Trafikfördröjare

Trafikfördröjare, which translates to traffic retarder or traffic calmer, refers to physical measures installed on roadways to reduce traffic speed and improve safety. These devices are commonly employed in urban and residential areas where higher vehicle speeds could pose a risk to pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users. The primary goal of trafikfördröjare is to encourage drivers to slow down, thereby creating a more secure environment.

Several types of trafikfördröjare exist. Speed bumps, also known as sleeping policemen or speed humps, are raised sections of the road surface designed to force vehicles to reduce speed. Chicanes are curves or offsets in the road layout that disrupt a straight line, making it difficult for drivers to maintain high speeds. Raised intersections or pedestrian crossings elevate the road surface at intersections or crossing points, serving a similar purpose to speed bumps but often with added visibility benefits for pedestrians. Road narrowing, achieved through various means like the use of planters or changes in road markings, can also act as a form of trafikfördröjare by visually constricting the roadway and implying a need for slower speeds. Rumble strips, though often used on highways to alert drivers who are drifting out of their lane, can also be used at lower speeds to provide an audible and tactile warning to slow down.

The implementation of trafikfördröjare is a traffic calming strategy aimed at improving road safety and the quality of life in communities. Their effectiveness is often assessed by measuring changes in average vehicle speeds and accident statistics.