Jul 20, 2017 3 min read

Exceeding the speed limit seems to be a national norm, and it isn’t limited to interstates and other open highways where motorists, in some sections of this country, can legally rev it up to 85 mph. These scofflaws also can be found on local roads and residential streets.

Speeding has been a perplexing issue in East Washington for years, especially along South Wade Avenue. And, like a number of small municipalities statewide, the borough lacks a police department large enough to effectively enforce speed laws 24/7.

Eleven days ago, East Washington counterpunched. It installed speed humps on five streets – the aforementioned South Wade, plus Wilmont and Christman avenues, and Thayer and Harrison streets.

Safety is the obvious reason for their deployment. Police Chief David Bradley told the Observer-Reporter’s Rick Shrum: “We wanted to slow down traffic in those areas. We’ve gotten numerous reports of people not coming to a complete stop and driving over the speed limit. We were limited in the options we had.”

The borough is among a growing number of municipalities that have selected this option. Speed humps “are by far the most popular traffic calming measure in the United States,” according to Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s online Traffic Calming Handbook.

Humps come in various forms and heights. East Washington chose ones made of hard plastic that rise 2 3/8 inches above the road surface and stretch the width of the street.

Many towns select taller humps, commonly 3 to a maximum 4 inches. They can be placed on a road with less than an 8-degree grade.

Bradley said early results have been positive, but acknowledged public reaction is split. Generally, he said residents like them because they “significantly reduce speeds” and drivers don’t because of the delays.

East Washington should be praised for taking action, especially on South Wade, which is often used as a thruway from South Strabane Township to Washington. Public safety is paramount and these humps certainly are having the desired effect.

Local commuters, however, are probably questioning whether the borough selected the proper style of hump. It seems extreme even to a person driving cautiously along the affected streets. They can nearly stop at the raised surfaces, cross them gingerly, and still hit with a fairly resounding thud.

One can’t help but think the suspension of his or her vehicle is in peril. A hump with a more gradual rise may have been a better choice.

The borough may not be done installing speed humps. “North Wade is my next top priority,” Bradley said. Other target areas are Chestnut Street leading to North Avenue, and Central Avenue leading to North.

Humps can be effective devices, but should be used judiciously.