I live out in the boondocks, and I like it that way. What I’m not super fond of is when people race through the back roads by my house like they’re trying out for NASCAR. The roads aren’t super busy, so for them, it seems to be the perfect place to drive a little recklessly. The trouble here is that even though I’m out in the boonies, there are still a fair number of children out here that live on this road and others near here. And if nothing else, these kids racing around could get hurt themselves! So, in response, a few of us in the neighborhood have decided to get a group together to talk to town hall to see if there was a way to get people to slow down.

Our local government decided that speed humps (not speed bumps) were the best option for our town. If you don’t know what a speed hump is it’s basically the appropriate traffic calming device for residential streets. Modern humps are made from recycled rubber and sold as individual segments for a “custom fit.” For our street, this has worked so far.

If you find that your streets are plagued by speed demons, these are the steps to follow to make your roads a bit safer:

• Step #1: Talk to Your Neighbors

• Step #2: Research Your City’s Procedure

• Step #3: Hold A Meeting and Determine Plan of Action

• Step #4: Contact Local Officials

• Step #5: Define the Problem

• Step #6: Determine if a Speed Hump is the Right Solution

• Step #7: Present Your Case

• Step #8: Follow Up

You are able to make a difference in your town and communities. All it takes is the wherewithal to go and do it. Knowing how your local governments work, and especially who your elected officials are that can make these things happen. So get together with your neighbors, come up with a plan and make your town a safe place for your kids, and your neighbors’ kids to live.