RUMBLE STRIPS AND PEDESTRIAN SAFETY

The use of rumble strips to alert motorists to unusual conditions and to pedestrian crossings is discussed, and the city of Phoenix's experimentation with various patterns and spacings to provide a good 'rumble effect' to motorists is described. Two materials were used: ceramic markers and plastic rumble bars. The visual cue provided by the markers, and the number, location, and the spacing of the rumble strips are described. In the study, nineteen uncontrolled, marked crosswalks were selected for field testing. The costs of the installations, their maintenance, and the problems caused by vehicle noise are discussed. Radar speed evaluations before and after the installation are described. The study results are presented and discusesd. It was found that advance rumble strips are not a helpful safety device based on speed data and pedestrian accident experience in Phoenix. However the installations are considered to have increased motorist's safety awareness as pedestrian accidents decreased overall in the city during the period of the study. It is noted that Phoenix will continue to pursue pedestrian and driver education programs.