Rumble devices have been used in many countries as a means of alerting drivers to hazards such as junctions and bends. Many different devices and arrangements have been used, generally bands of coarse surface texture (rumble areas) or narrow strips of material (rumble strips) laid across the carriageway. This report assesses the types of rumble strips and rumble areas which have been used at 35 sites in the UK, to ascertain which devices are the most effective. It covers the types of rumble devices used, the layouts and dimensions of the devices and the effects on speeds, accidents, driver behaviour, noise and vibration. Guidelines for the installation of rumble devices are included to enable engineers to select suitable locations and layouts. (A)
Abstract