Speed bumps: Drivers either love them or hate them. Some residents have complained recently about why they see so many being installed around the city. These devices can be installed through the Austin Transportation Department by resident request only. A resident fills out an application with information on where he or she wants the speed-mitigation device to go, and the city conducts a study. If the area is eligible, the resident then gets signatures from those who would live near the devices. Next the project is ranked by priority and awaits funding.

What most people refer to as speed bumps are most likely speed cushions, or black rubber devices installed on a street. Its close cousins are the smaller speed bumps often found in parking lots and speed humps, which are usually made of concrete and span the entire width of the street. The city has been installing more speed cushions because they are significantly cheaper than speed humps and have led to the city being more efficient in trying to slow us all down and keep our streets safe. Read more on this topic here.