Describe the term “traffic calming.”

The term "traffic calming" specifically refers to measures aimed at reducing vehicle speeds and improving safety on roadways. These measures are designed to create a safer environment for all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. By implementing traffic calming techniques, such as speed humps, chicanes, or narrower lanes, communities can effectively lower the speed of vehicles, which helps decrease the likelihood and severity of accidents.

This focus on speed reduction directly contributes to increased safety, particularly in residential areas and near schools, where the presence of vulnerable road users is significant. The primary goal of traffic calming is to create a more inviting and safer atmosphere for everyone on the road, rather than just concentrating on traffic flow or the construction of new lanes.