Traffic Calming as Contribution to Safety of Vulnerable Road Users in Urban Areas

Traffic calming is probably the most “controversial” measure in the field of road safety causing opposite views not only among traffic experts, but also traffic participants themselves. Therefore, there has not been a single traffic calming definition established yet. After studying the most recent literature available, the authors have decided for the following definition as appropriate – traffic calming is a series of physical and visual measures set to remind the drivers that they have entered the residential zone, and thus have to change their behaviour accordingly, in order to minimise negative effects produced by motor vehicles in highly populated areas and improve traffic conditions of vulnerable road users (pedestrians and cyclists). The paper will analyse traffic calming techniques aimed to reduce speeds and traffic volume in residential areas, with the unique goal – improving safety of vulnerable road users and reducing impact on the environment.