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Speed bumps aren�t the answer In the June 11 Mail Tribune, a story about preventable injuries that kill children pointed out that traffic incidents are the most common cause in an accidental death. A contributor to the story goes on to say that the installation of speed bumps on residential streets would greatly reduce the risk to children. The street I live on, Marshall Avenue in south Medford, is residential. Unfortunately, it connects to Kings Highway and South Peach Street. There are at least 15 children living on this street who are in jeopardy from being injured by drivers who travel faster than the 25 mph limit. What steps can be taken to initiate the installation of speed bumps? � James W., Medford If you want to prevent speeding traffic and protect neighborhood children, James, city engineers are willing to help you find a solution. But don�t count on speed bumps. According to Cory Crebbin, public works director, the city of Medford does not use speed bumps to control traffic. Bumps only slow traffic for a short distance and the neighborhood often trades one problem for another, such as noise from vehicles braking, accelerating and bouncing over the bumps, Crebbin said. There are other alternatives, however, including narrowing streets to one lane for short distances. Before recommending any changes, city engineers will want to discuss how many neighbors support such traffic "calming" measures, whether the neighborhood is willing to participate in construction and maintenance, how parking may be affected and other issues. For more information, call the Public Works Department at 774-2100. ("Since You Asked'' is a daily feature in the Mail Tribune that answers questions from readers on virtually any topic of general interest. To submit a question, e-mail us at [email protected] Please include your name, address and phone number for verification. If you have specific questions about our Web site or other questions about the Mail Tribune, please send them to [email protected] ) Obituaries | Sports | Business | Classifieds | Tempo | Prime Times | So Oregon Sites | Outdoor Journal | Subscribe | Contact | Movies | Advertise | Real Estate Showcase | Archive | Editorials | Letters to the editor | Religion | Wake-up Call | NIE | Cyber Chef | Job Network | So Oregon Weather | WSJ Northwest | Forums | AP Wire | AP Money | F.A.Q. | Awards Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. The Community Newspaper Subsidiary of Dow Jones & Co, Inc Copyright �The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA