Highway safety is a top priority for transportation agencies worldwide, and one of the most effective tools in reducing accidents is the use of temporary, portable, rumble strips. These simple yet powerful road features alert drivers when they are entering a work zone, providing improved safety for road crews. In this blog, we’ll explore the effectiveness of rumble strips, like the TrafFix Devices Alert High Speed and discuss their proper use in highway applications.
What Are Rumble Strips?
Rumble strips are grooves or raised patterns installed on the pavement surface of roads, typically along the edges or centerline. When a vehicle passes over these strips, the tires produce a vibrating sound and tactile feedback that alerts the driver. This sensory warning is especially crucial in situations where drivers may be fatigued, distracted, or simply not paying close attention.
The Effectiveness of Rumble Strips
- Reducing Lane Departure Crashes: Rumble strips are highly effective in reducing crashes caused by unintentional lane departures. Studies have shown that they can reduce run-off-road crashes by up to 40% and head-on collisions by up to 50%. These statistics highlight the importance of rumble strips in keeping vehicles on the road and preventing serious accidents.
- Enhancing Driver Awareness: The noise and vibration created by rumble strips immediately captures a driver’s attention. This is particularly beneficial in situations where road conditions change and especially effective in alerting of work zones, utilizing sight, sound, and sensation to create awareness. Safe for both low and high-speed roads as well as all vehicle types, including motorcycles. Immediate feedback allows drivers to avoid potential hazards.
- Cost-Effective Safety Measure: Compared to other road safety features, portable rumble strips are relatively inexpensive to install, move and maintain. Their durability ensures long-term effectiveness, making them a cost-effective solution for enhancing highway safety.
- Versatility Across Road Types: Rumble strips are not limited to highways; they can be effectively used on rural roads, urban streets, and even in areas with lower traffic volumes. Their adaptability to different road types and conditions makes them a versatile, effective and portable tool in the traffic safety arsenal.
Proper Use of Rumble Strips in Highway Applications
Strategic Placement: The effectiveness of rumble strips largely depends on their placement. They are typically installed across the impacted lane or over several lanes to alert drivers to the changed conditions particularly when entering work zones. A single Strip is long enough to span the width of the average road lane. A Set of TrafFix Alert High Speed is comprised of three (3) Strips, or six (6) Sections
Rumble strips are a proven, effective measure for enhancing highway safety, particularly in reducing lane departure accidents. When properly implemented, they provide an immediate warning to drivers, helping to prevent serious collisions and save lives. By considering factors such as placement, road width, and the needs of non-motorized users, transportation agencies can maximize the benefits of rumble strips while minimizing any potential drawbacks. As we continue to prioritize road safety, rumble strips will remain a key component in making our highways safer for everyone.