The latest proliferation of speed bumps is like Oak Park has developed acne. I believe that, had the driving public been made more aware of this plan, it would have gotten lots more opposition. The problem is more and more cars and many people driving distracted. Speed bumps are a poor solution, kind of a low-class thing used in the Caribbean and other Third World places.
Here is my experience: Speed bumps on North Kenilworth Avenue and Thomas Street are about right. They warn you to slow down.
However, the speed bumps around Taylor Park and Hatch School are too high. Rather than encouraging traffic calming, they cause irritation and anger. And I see them as a danger, taking your attention off watching out for kids and focusing on the approaching speed bump.
Speed bumps need to be uniform and low enough to do the job and not so high they are a danger and cause undue wear on the vehicle’s steering system. They need to be and will be marked better. Contractors hollowing out the street and leaving it unmarked was a real danger.
The other traffic measure, traffic diverters, will be removed in November so we can all study their effect. However, if the speed bumps are here to stay, prepare to pay for more front end alignments and front end repairs. And probably more accidents from distracted drivers who hit them.
Charles Chauncey Wells
Oak Park
