DeSoto Parish jurors debate speed bumps and approve policy allowing rumble strips on through roads

The DeSoto Parish Road Committee spent a large portion of its meeting debating whether speed bumps should be allowed on through roads and what alternatives could improve safety without causing hazards for higher‑speed traffic.

Jurors and staff discussed multiple concerns. Some jurors argued speed bumps on through roads are dangerous at 35–45 mph and could cause accidents, particularly for vehicles pulling trailers. Others said speed bumps were installed for safety reasons where residents have asked for slowing measures and that enforcement resources are limited.

Options discussed included reducing speed limits in targeted zones, installing rumble strips or raised reflectors that alert drivers without requiring a full stop, and conducting localized polling to determine resident preferences. Speaker 7 and others emphasized safety for children and school traffic; Speaker 1 and Speaker 2 favored limiting physical speed bumps to neighborhoods and using speed‑zone designations or rumble strips on higher‑speed roads.

After debate the committee passed a motion, amended to permit rumble strips on through roads pending jury approval and to handle constituent requests by placing them on the agenda for consideration. The committee also noted the need to draft ordinance language defining road classifications and procedures for requests. Several related items—such as a tree removal request for Laurel Street and a culvert installation at 767 Highway 3015—failed for lack of a second or otherwise received no action.

The committee directed staff to draft an ordinance consistent with the amended motion and to return language to the jury for adoption or amendment. No implementation timeline for rumble‑strip installation was recorded in the discussion.