A French Speed Bump’s Sky-High Reputation: A Tale of Exaggeration and Road Safety Concerns
A recent article published by Presse-Citron on July 1st, 2025, at 16:59, has brought to light a rather unusual situation concerning a speed bump in France. Titled “Ce dos d’âne français est tellement immense que certains usagers de la route décollent en le prenant” (This French speed bump is so immense that some road users take off when hitting it), the piece highlights a speed bump that has apparently garnered a reputation for being exceptionally large, leading to what the article describes as “take-offs” for some road users.
While the headline itself is certainly attention-grabbing and suggests a comical, almost cartoonish scenario, it’s important to approach this news with a degree of nuance. The language used, particularly the phrase “certains usagers de la route décollent,” is likely a hyperbolic description rather than a literal account of vehicles becoming airborne. It’s more probable that the speed bump’s considerable height or steepness causes vehicles to experience a significant jolt, perhaps even a brief moment of suspension, leading to the colourful description.
The article from Presse-Citron raises several points worth considering regarding road infrastructure and its impact on drivers. Speed bumps, or “dos d’âne” as they are known in France, are commonly implemented to enforce lower speeds in residential areas or near schools and hospitals. Their effectiveness lies in their ability to physically deter drivers from speeding. However, when designed or implemented improperly, they can become a nuisance or even a hazard.
The implication of the Presse-Citron article is that this particular speed bump might be exceeding standard specifications for such traffic calming measures. Overly aggressive speed bumps can lead to:
- Vehicle Damage: Especially for lower-slung vehicles, hitting a very large speed bump can cause damage to the undercarriage, exhaust systems, or suspension.
- Discomfort and Safety Concerns: The sudden and forceful jolting can be uncomfortable for passengers, particularly the elderly, young children, or individuals with medical conditions. It could also potentially cause drivers to lose control momentarily, especially if they are not anticipating the bump’s severity.
- Increased Noise Pollution: Vehicles frequently hitting large speed bumps, especially at speeds higher than intended, can generate significant noise, which can be disruptive to nearby residents.
- Ineffectiveness: In some cases, overly aggressive speed bumps can become ineffective as drivers learn to navigate them by slowing down to a crawl, negating the intended gradual speed reduction.
The article doesn’t specify the exact location of this particular speed bump, nor does it provide detailed measurements or official complaints. However, the very nature of the description suggests a public perception that this speed bump is problematic. It serves as a reminder that while traffic calming measures are essential for road safety, their design and implementation require careful consideration to balance the need for speed reduction with the avoidance of creating new hazards or excessive inconvenience.
It would be interesting to learn more about the official guidelines for speed bump construction in France and whether this particular installation adheres to them. Local authorities are generally responsible for the maintenance and design of road infrastructure, and public feedback, even if expressed humorously through an article, can be a valuable indicator of potential issues.
In conclusion, the Presse-Citron article, with its vivid description of a “flying” speed bump, highlights the potential for road infrastructure to become a talking point, for better or worse. While the exaggeration likely adds a touch of levity, it also subtly points to the importance of well-designed and appropriately scaled traffic calming measures for the safety and comfort of all road users.
Ce dos d’âne français est tellement immense que certains usagers de la route décollent en le prenant
AI has delivered the news.
The answer to the following question is obtained from Google Gemini.
Presse-Citron published ‘Ce dos d’âne français est tellement immense que certains usagers de la route décollent en le prenant’ at 2025-07-01 16:59. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.