Effects of Center-line Rumble Strips on Non-Conventional Vehicles

Author(s): Kenneth Miller

Report Date: January 2008

Report Number:   2008-07

Report/Product:  http://www.lrrb.org/pdf/200807.pdf (0.8MB)

Abstract:
Centerline rumble strips are being installed on rural Minnesota Highways in an effort to reduce crossover accidents. This study looks for possible detrimental effects on 2 and 3 wheeled cycles. Motorcycle accidents reports since centerline rumble strips first appeared on rural highways in 1999 revealed only 29 accidents on roads with the rumble strips. None of these reports implicated the rumble strips as a factor in the accident. There were also no visible indications of rider correction or overcorrection in 40 hours of roadside observations. Controlled conditions on a closed circuit supported this observation through 32 riders in all types of cycles and experience levels from 0 to 41 years of street riding. Interviews confirmed that the riders had no difficulty or concern with the rumble strips. The recommendation from this study is that cyclist should become familiar with the rumble strips in rider safety courses and driving examinations. There were no indications to impede the installation of rumble strips and no indication that signage is justified.