Rumble strips are raised or grooved patterns placed on the pavement surface of a roadway or travelled way. Their purpose is to provide motorists with an audible and tactile warning that their vehicle is approaching a decision point of critical importance to safety or that their vehicle has partially or completely left the road. Specific concerns that affect the design for rumble strips and the locations where rumble strip installation is appropriate include; (1) noise created by rumble strip installations, (2) motorist use of opposing lanes to avoid rumble strips, (3) maintenance problems, (4) bicycle concerns, and (5) motorcyclist concerns. Each of this issues is addressed in this synthesis. A public information program is recommended to educate motorists about the purposes of rumble strips, including installation signs accompany the rumble strips so that the driver can take action. (A)
Abstract