The Effectiveness of Transverse Rumble Strip to Reduce Speed

Abstract

Transverse Rumble Strip (TRS) are placed across the travel lanes of the roadway and perpendicular to flow of vehicles. The strips typically placed crossing the roadway surface to provide a tactile and audible warning to alert drivers on unusual traffic conditions. The main aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the TRS to reduce operating speed of traffic along selected road sections. Types of analysis conducted were speed distribution, average speed reduction and rate of braking by road users before and after the installation of TRS. Two locations were selected for this study i.e. Jalan Sultan and Jalan Barat. The key findings obtained in this study is operating speed was reduced at both locations after the installation of TRS. The speed compliancy rate was also increased with the presence of TRS at both locations. The compliancy was maintained even after 1-week of TRS installation. In evaluating the rate of braking, the higher rate was obtained after 1-day of TRS installation than any other period on both sites. Due to its potential as a countermeasure in reducing or controlling operating speed, it is recommended that TRS is installed at high risk location such as at curve or approaching intersection. However, TRS usage at downhill slope should be further studied or improvised due to the non-significant speed reduction obtained in this study. Precautions should be taken in ensuring that the specifications and materials used for TRS is following the standard and comply with the surface skid resistance value.