A comprehensive investigation was conducted of the influence that rumble strips produce on traffic operations at rural stop locations by studies of' /1/ the combination of audible, tactile, and visual stimuli upon traffic operations, /2/ the measurement of the effect of rumble strips on the mean or average speeds of traffic approaching a rural stop location, /3/ stop sign observance and vehicle placement before and after installation of rumble strips on the approach to an intersection, and /4/ trends in accidents at locations where rumble strips were installed. Field studies were conducted at 7 approaches to stop-controlled rural trunk highway sections. A traffic control device expected to additionally alert drivers to the necessity of deceleration at rural stop locations was analysed. The major goals were' /1/ to effect a reduction in average approach speeds, /2/ to increase the observance of the stop sign controls, and /3/ to decrease the number of accidents involving approaching vehicles. It is concluded that rumble strips have a significant influence on traffic speed and stop sign observance. A decreasing trend in accidents was found at two rural intersections where rumble strips had been installed for a reasonable period of time.
Abstract