Speed breakers installed by Housing Development Corporation (HDC) across Hulhumalé — meant to curb reckless driving — are sparking outrage among residents, who say the poorly designed bumps are causing more harm than good.

Instead of making roads safer, locals claim the speed bumps are damaging vehicles and even putting lives at risk. Residents say the structures are unusually steep, forcing even the slowest drivers to experience severe jolts.

“When we cross these bumpers the whole vehicle shakes violently, and the shock is felt heavily by the rider even at the lowest speed. These are killing people. This is not the kind of bumper suitable for public roads,” one frustrated resident told us.

For some, the impact is more than just discomfort. A pregnant woman shared her fear: “Because of these bumpers, I cannot go out now. The shock it gives is too heavy, and I’m afraid it might harm my baby.”

Social media has also seen a wave of criticism, with drivers posting videos of their vehicles struggling over the new bumps and motorcyclists warning of injuries.

While the aim was to prevent speeding, residents argue that the design is unsafe and impractical, urging HDC to reconsider and replace the current structures with internationally approved road safety designs.

As complaints mount, the question remains whether the very measure intended to save lives is, in fact, endangering them.