Use of Rumble Strips to Enhance Safety: A Synthesis of Highway Practice

This synthesis will be of interest to traffic engineers, highway design engineers, highway maintenance personnel, those responsible for toll plaza design and operation, and others concerned with the operation, safety and design of the roadway environment. Information is presented on the various applications of rumble strips on the traveled way and on highway shoulders. This synthesis describes the state of the practice with respect to placement, operational and safety effects, design, installation, and cost and service life of rumble strips. This report of the Transportation Research Board also discusses the effectiveness of rumble strips in preventing or reducing accidents. It provides information on the potential adverse effects of rumble strips, such as noise, motorist use of opposing lanes to avoid rumble strips, maintenance problems, and concerns of special users such as senior citizens, bikers, and truckers. The need for signing and public information support are also discussed. The synthesis presents several recommendations for future research.