Photo via Equipment World
Have you ever wondered what those bumpy lines across a stretch of road are and what do they do?
Rumble strips are a road safety feature to alert drivers of potential danger ahead - a series of raised line-markings that generates vibration and audible rumbling when you drive over them.
Rumble strips act as a warning sign to alert drivers of approaching intersections, toll plazas, horizontal curves, or any other unexpected conditions.
Here are a few types of rumble strips:
1. Shoulder Rumble Strip
Shoulder rumble strips, like its name, are located on the shoulder of the road, and is commonly seen on straight highways to reduce run-off-road collisions.
They alert distracted or drowsy drivers that they are leaving the roadway.
2. Centerline Rumble Strip
Photo via Now Habersham
Centerline rumble strips are seen on smaller roads, especially on winding roads to reduce lane departure crashes.
They are also used on undivided highways to reduce cross-over incidents and head-on collisions.
3. Midlane Rumble Strip
Photo via SlidePlayer
Similar to the centerline rumble strip, the midlane rumble strips alert drivers if the car is going off course.
4. Transverse Rumble Strip
Photo via Crossroads
Transverse rumble strips are most commonly seen on major highways. They warn drivers of an upcoming intersection, toll booth, winding curve, or a downhill slope.
Well, now that you know what rumble strips do, make sure you slow down the next time you drive over one.
by Rayelene Chin
