Journals Information
Civil Engineering and Architecture Vol. 13(5), pp. 3546 - 3560
DOI: 10.13189/cea.2025.130507
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Traffic Calming Measures and Crash Reduction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Global Evidence
Abdirahman Ali Muse *, Abdiweli Ali Farah , Ali Musse Hassan
Faculty of Engineering, Jamhuriya University of Science and Technology, Somalia
ABSTRACT
High traffic speeds and volumes on residential roads raise concerns related safety, pollution, and noise, prompting interest in traffic calming measures to reduce vehicle dominance. While volume control measures have proven effective in reducing traffic volume and crashes, the impact of speed countermeasures (e.g., vertical deflections, horizontal deflections, speed limit reductions) remains inconsistent and sometimes contradictory across studies. To assess the association between traffic calming measures and road traffic crashes, a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled studies (controlled before-after and empirical Bayes methods) was conducted up to Aug 2024. Pooled odds ratios (OR) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed using Review Manager 5.4.1. Heterogeneity was evaluated through Cochran's chi-square test and the I虏 statistic. Subgroup analyses were performed by measure type. Of 1,588 identified studies, 24 met inclusion criteria, spanning 10 countries (1990鈥�2024), with the majority from the United States (n=10), Australia (n=4), and the United Kingdom (n=3). Meta-analysis revealed a 28% reduction in total crashes (OR: 0.72 [95% CI: 0.65, 0.81; I虏 = 97%]) and a 33% reduction in injury crashes (OR: 0.67 [95% CI: 0.53, 0.85]) in traffic-calmed areas. Pedestrian crashes decreased by 18% (OR: 0.82 [95% CI: 0.75, 0.90]). Subgroup analyses indicated that area-wide measures reduced total crashes by 12% and injury crashes by 15%, while vertical deflections reduced total crashes by 19% and injury crashes by 23%. In contrast, posted speed limits and signal-related interventions showed insignificant reductions (3% and 8%, respectively). Results for pedestrian crashes were inconsistent and insignificant. In conclusion, traffic calming measures are associated with significant crash reductions, though effectiveness varies by measure type. Further controlled studies, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, are needed to fully evaluate their impact.
KEYWORDS
Traffic Calming, Total Crashes, Injury Crashes, Pedestrian Crashes, Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis
Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Abdirahman Ali Muse , Abdiweli Ali Farah , Ali Musse Hassan , "Traffic Calming Measures and Crash Reduction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Global Evidence," Civil Engineering and Architecture, Vol. 13, No. 5, pp. 3546 - 3560, 2025. DOI: 10.13189/cea.2025.130507.
(b). APA Format:
Abdirahman Ali Muse , Abdiweli Ali Farah , Ali Musse Hassan (2025). Traffic Calming Measures and Crash Reduction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Global Evidence. Civil Engineering and Architecture, 13(5), 3546 - 3560. DOI: 10.13189/cea.2025.130507.