Rumble Strips Resources and References

FHWA Guidance

Consideration and Implementation of Proven Safety Countermeasures: Rumble Strips and Rumble Stripes
In July 2008, the FHWA issued a guidance memorandum that highlighted nine proven safety countermeasures, and when and where they should be used. Rumble strips and stripes were among the recommended countermeasures. Click here to read the cover memo and the specific guidance dealing with rumble strips and stripes.
FHWA Technical Advisory: Roadway Shoulder Rumble Strips
This December 2001 Technical Advisory contains information on the design and installation of shoulder rumble strips and provides guidelines for their use on appropriate rural segments of the National Highway System.

Rumble Strips: A Sound Investment
This informational DVD on shoulder and centerline rumble strips and rumble stripes provides a general introduction for decisionmakers and practitioners. FHWA-SA-07-024.

Policy, Specifications and Drawings
This Web page has policies, specifications, and drawings from several States covering all four types of rumble strips.
Rumble Strips at the Beginning of Work Zones

NCHRP Synthesis 339: Centerline Rumble Strips
This 2002 report includes a literature review, case studies, a state-of-the-practice survey, and a key issues analysis.
Synthesis of Shoulder Rumble Strip Practices and Policies
This synthesis report reviews shoulder rumble strip research and the rumble strip crash reduction record; discusses motorist and bicyclist perceptions; and presents the results of three nationwide surveys on shoulder rumble strips conducted in 2000. Policies, practices, and alternative designs are compared. The report also assesses the need for future research.
Use of Rumble Strips to Enhance Safety
This older NCHRP Synthesis report provides general information on use of rumble strips.

Priority Market-Ready Technologies and Innovations List: Rumble Strips
This web page succinctly explains the reasoning behind the FHWA’s encouragement of the use of rumble strips.
Driver Alertness and Fatigue: Summary of Completed Research Projects, 1994-1998
This links to the FHWA's Office of Motor Carriers' Web page, which summarizes ten driver alertness and fatigue-related projects (1994-1998), focusing on commercial motor vehicles.

Cathy Satterfield
Cathy.Satterfield@dot.gov
708-283-3552