Speed fiends in Israel are in for a rough ride. Defence researchers have
“improved” a traffic-calming road hump. Conventional humps are made of concrete
or asphalt, and make a car bounce even if it’s travelling within the speed
limit. The new hump is made of rubber, with a sealed air chamber connected to
the atmosphere by two valved vents (GB 2 336 867). Both valves let air in, but
only one lets it out. The weight of a car forces air out of the one-way valve.
If the car is driving slowly, the hump has time to collapse into a near-flat
surface. But if the car is driving fast, the air cannot escape fast enough to
flatten the hump and the errant driver gets a severe shake.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Technology
Google shouldn’t be pressuring schools to use its AI
91ɫÇéƬ
Technology
Australia’s social media ban faces high court challenge
News
Technology
The nuclear waste repository in Finland designed to outlast modern civilisation
Features
Technology
How did the biggest crypto heist in history just happen?
News
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles