A Driving Simulator Study on the Effect of Transversal Rumble Strips Located Nearby Dangerous Curves Under Repeated Exposure

Abstract

This study examined drivers’ behavior nearby dangerous curves when they are repeatedly exposed to the same transversal rumble strips which were located on the tangent before the curve. During a period of five successive days, sixteen participants completed a 17km test-drive in a driving simulator with four dangerous curves (two without and two with transversal rumble strips) in a within-subjects design. The selection of these curves was based on the official Belgian accident database and both curves were replicated in the driving simulator as detailed and realistic as possible. Results indicated that the transversal rumble strips induced a speed reduction of 2.3 to 5.9 kph on the tangent before the curve. This speed reduction effect sustained over the experimental period of five days. Taking the speed reduction effect into account, we can conclude that transversal rumble strips have a potential positive traffic safety effect because the reduced speed on the tangent provides more time to the drivers to make a good evaluation of the curve characteristics and environment and adapt their driving behavior in an appropriate way. Notwithstanding, we advise policy makers to make a good selection of potential dangerous curves to avoid excessive implementation of transversal rumble strips.

Keywords: Horizontal curves, pavement markings, transversal rumble strips, driving simulator, road safety engineering

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe100701