What is the purpose of speed bumps?

Speed bumps are designed specifically to slow down traffic in residential areas and other zones where pedestrian safety is a concern. They are typically raised sections of the road that create a physical barrier requiring drivers to reduce their speed to navigate over them safely. The primary goal is to enhance safety by discouraging fast driving, thereby protecting pedestrians, cyclists, and residents in those areas. This traffic management tool helps to create a safer environment for families, children, and the elderly, which are often the primary populations in residential neighborhoods.

The other options do not align with the primary function of speed bumps. Enhancing vehicle speed is counterproductive to their purpose, directing traffic flow is typically managed by road signs and signals rather than physical obstacles, and making the road look appealing is not an intended design or traffic safety feature.