Effectiveness and acceptability of milled rumble strips on rural two-lane roads in Sweden

Vadeby, Anna; Anund, Anna · 2017 · DOAJ

DOI: 10.1007/s12544-017-0244-x

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Summary

This study evaluates the effectiveness and driver acceptability of centreline milled rumble strips on rural two-lane roads in Sweden. The research was motivated by the need to assess whether this infrastructure countermeasure, designed to alert drivers unintentionally leaving their lane due to sleepiness or inattention, improves traffic safety and is accepted by road users. While previous studies in the US, Canada, and Australia had demonstrated safety benefits, there was limited knowledge regarding driver opinions and the specific effects of milled strips in Swedish conditions. The methodology combined quantitative crash analysis with qualitative and quantitative assessments of driver experience. To evaluate traffic safety, the authors conducted an Empirical Bayes (EB) before-and-after study using data from the Swedish national traffic accident database (STRADA) for the period 2003–2012. The analysis included 180 road sections, controlling for regression to the mean, traffic volume changes, and general safety trends. To capture driver perspectives, the study utilized focus groups with motorcyclists and commuters, as well as roadside questionnaire interviews with 360 drivers across five geographical regions. These qualitative and quantitative surveys assessed perceptions of safety, changes in driving behavior, and overall acceptance of the rumble strips. The results indicated a significant reduction in severe injury crashes. Specifically, the EB analysis showed a 20% reduction (±13%) in fatalities and seriously injured people across all crash types and a 27% reduction (±18%) in single-vehicle crashes. No significant change was observed in the total number of injury crashes. Regarding driver experience, focus groups revealed that motorcyclists did not perceive the strips as problematic, noting that the sensation was less pronounced at higher speeds. Commuters reported that the strips encouraged more cautious driving, including reduced overtaking and increased lateral distance from the centerline. Roadside interviews confirmed high acceptability, with 90% of drivers believing the strips contributed to traffic safety. Most drivers reported an increased feeling of security, defined as awareness when leaving the lane, though only a minority reported consciously reducing speed or changing lateral position. The study concludes that centreline milled rumble strips are an effective countermeasure for reducing severe injuries and fatalities on rural two-lane roads in Sweden, particularly in single-vehicle crashes. The findings support the widespread installation of these strips, as they are generally well-received by drivers and perceived as enhancing safety. The results align with international studies but highlight the importance of controlling for regression to the mean in safety evaluations. The study suggests that while the strips may subtly influence driving behavior, such as encouraging caution during overtaking, their primary benefit lies in preventing lane departures that lead to severe crashes.

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• perceptual countermeasures