Philadelphia is now using fake speed bumps to slow you down. The city is testing out the tactic at approximately 100 intersections.
The belief is that the high tech 3-D decals will freak you out. But I think they’d work better if you were intoxicated, at which point you shouldn’t be driving at all.
Charles Denny, the city engineer noted, "The goal is to change the mindset. The goal is to get the drivers to be less aggressive. We want them to go what the speed limit is, not to assume that its a recommended speed, to know that its a speed limit that’s appropriate on residential streets."
A more powerful technique was used several years ago when a US school board decided to create fake cardboard cutouts of little kids. You’ll only almost run over a fake kid once before you slow down in school zones.
Fake Speed Bumps
Philadelphia Using Psychedelic 3-D Tricks to Slow You Down
Trend Themes
1. 3-D Decals - The use of 3-D decals as fake speed bumps presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in road safety.
2. Psychological Deterrents - The implementation of psychological deterrents, such as fake speed bumps, can disrupt driver behavior and promote safer road environments.
3. Residential Speed Limit Awareness - Increasing awareness of residential speed limits through innovative measures like fake speed bumps can lead to disruptive changes in driver mindset and behavior.
Industry Implications
1. Transportation - The transportation industry can explore the potential of using 3-D decals or other psychological deterrents as a means to enhance road safety.
2. Urban Planning - The urban planning industry can incorporate fake speed bumps and similar measures into street design to create safer and more pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods.
3. Public Safety - The public safety sector can adopt innovative approaches like using fake speed bumps to raise driver awareness and reduce accidents in residential areas.