In Singapore, it is commonly known as 'Speed Regulating Strips'... but on the internet it is more commonly known as 'Rumble Strips'. Here's what it actually does.
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Road Traffic Sign ~ Speed Regulating Strips Ahead
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Speed Regulating Strips
Posted on 11/12/2009
Speed regulating strips reduced number of accidents due to speeding
We refer to Mr Luo Wei Guang's letter "Suggestion to Improve Road Conditions at Two Roads" (Lianhe Zaobao, 25 Nov). Mr Luo has suggested to replace the speed strips along South Buona Vista Road with humps and to improve the traffic signs at the side-road leading to the former Capitol Building.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) adopts various road safety measures, such as speed regulating strips, speed humps and traffic calming markings, to discourage speeding along different types of roads. Road safety measures are carefully selected based on the existing traffic conditions as well as the road geometry. Speed regulating strips is a common road safety device used in many countries to moderate drivers speeds, and they are unlikely to cause damages to vehicles, especially if the vehicles do not drive through the strips at high speeds.
In the case of South Buona Vista Road, the speed regulating strips have been effective in improving road safety. Since the implementation of these strips, we have seen fewer speed-related accidents along South Buona Vista Road.
For the side-road leading to Capitol Building, the traffic lanes are configured in such a way that vehicles entering and exiting the side road will not conflict with each other. We noted Mr Luo's feedback on the directional signs. We will review the traffic signs and add more signs if necessary.
We thank Mr Luo for the opportunity to clarify.
HELEN LIM
DEPUTY DIRECTOR, MEDIA RELATIONS
LAND TRANSPORT AUTHORITY
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Rumble Strips ~ on the Internet
Rumble Strips alert motorists of an approaching "stop", "slow down", or "dangerous road conditions" ahead.
Rumble strips, also known as sleeper lines, are a road safety feature that alert inattentive drivers to potential danger by causing a tactile vibration and audible rumbling, transmitted through the wheels into the car body. A rumble strip is usually either applied in the direction of travel along an edge- or centreline, to alert drivers when they drift from their lane, or in a series across the direction of travel, to warn drivers of a stop ahead or nearby danger spot. In favourable circumstances, rumble strips are effective (and cost-effective) at reducing accidents due to inattention. The effectiveness of shoulder rumble strips is largely dependent on a wide stable shoulder for a recovery. "...although in the present study rumble strips did not produce the desired speed reduction effect, its use for work zone applications is still highly encouraged; though, not as a speed control measure but as a driver's attention-catching device."
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