Developing an effective shoulder and centerline rumble strips/stripes policy to accommodate all roadway users.

Ahmed, Mohamed; Sharif, Mirza A.; Ksaibati, Khaled · 2015 · ROSA P / Wyoming. Department of Transportation

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Summary

This study addresses the need for standardized policies regarding shoulder and centerline rumble strips/stripes that balance motor vehicle safety with the accommodation of all roadway users, including bicyclists, motorcyclists, and nearby residents. Lane departure crashes, often caused by fatigue or distraction, account for 53% of annual fatal crashes in the U.S. and 72% of severe crashes in Wyoming (2008–2010). While rumble strips are a proven, low-cost countermeasure providing vibrotactile and audible warnings, their implementation raises concerns regarding noise pollution, maintenance, and adverse effects on vulnerable road users. The research aimed to develop an effective policy for the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) by synthesizing current practices across the United States. The methodology involved a comprehensive review of literature and state guidelines, supplemented by multiple surveys. An online survey was conducted with 29 state Departments of Transportation (DOTs) to assess their current policies, compliance with National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Report 641 guidelines, and provisions for non-motorized users. Additionally, surveys were administered to bicyclists, motorcyclists, and nearby residents in Wyoming to gather user experiences and opinions. WYDOT engineers were also surveyed to determine specific installation parameters and accommodation strategies. The study culminated in the development of an interactive Expert System to guide policy decisions. Key findings revealed a lack of standardized practices across the U.S., with only four states fully adhering to NCHRP guidelines and seven using independent guidelines. Approximately 72% of states followed NCHRP Report 641, either strictly or with modifications. Shoulder Rumble Strips (SRS) were more widely adopted than Centerline Rumble Strips (CLRS), with all 29 responding states using SRS and 27 using CLRS. Regarding accommodation, 36 states had provisions for bicyclists, but only three states (Idaho, Maine, and Florida) had specific provisions for motorcyclists. Noise was a significant concern, with 42% of DOTs not considering it in their policies, though many avoided urban installations to mitigate this issue. The governing criteria for installation prioritized area type, guardrail presence, pavement conditions, and bicycle traffic. The significance of this work lies in its contribution to developing inclusive safety policies. The study concludes that while rumble strips are effective for reducing lane departure crashes, policies must evolve to accommodate all road users. The developed Expert System provides a practical tool for WYDOT and other agencies to navigate complex guidelines and make informed decisions. The report recommends utilizing the compiled data and the Expert System to update policies, ensuring that safety enhancements for motorists do not disproportionately burden bicyclists, motorcyclists, or residents. This research highlights the necessity of balancing crash reduction goals with the practical needs and safety of diverse roadway users.

Key finding

Most state Departments of Transportation lack specific policy provisions for accommodating bicyclists and motorcyclists when installing rumble strips, despite the safety benefits of these countermeasures.

Methodology

survey

Sample size: 29

Provenance

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Summary generated by qwen3.6-27b-prismaquant on 2026-06-10; verification: verified.

Topics

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• perceptual countermeasures