U.S. EXPERIENCE WITH CENTERLINE RUMBLE STRIPS ON TWO-LANE ROADS: PATTERN RESEARCH AND NORTH AMERICAN USAGE

To reduce single vehicle run-off-the road crashes and crashes from cars crossing the centerline and colliding with on-coming vehicles, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) is considering installing centerline rumble strips. This paper summarizes a survey that was conducted of other states regarding their experience with centerline rumble strips. Research was also done on selecting the best rumble strip pattern. Results suggest that centerline rumble strips do have the potential of reduce risk of certain types of accidents on two-lane, rural roads. However, the actual benefit has not been proven. KDOT has recently installed approximately 50 miles of two patterns of centerline rumble strips on a two-lane rural highway, and will evaluate driver reaction, public opinion, and vehicle positioning before and after the installation.