The Effects of Temporary Portable Rumble Strips on Vehicle Speeds in Road Work Zones

The safety of construction and maintenance work zones has been highlighted as a crucial aspect of construction management that requires special attention due to the increasing number of fatal and non-fatal injuries in recent years. Temporary traffic control (TTC) is required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to improve overall safety performance during road construction and maintenance projects. The fact that speeding and distracted drivers may overlook TTC warning signs and directions has been reported as one of the leading causes of work zone incidents. This study aimed to examine both the impact of temporary portable rumble strips (TPRSs) on traffic speeds and the response of different vehicle types in road work zones, including trucks and cars. Accordingly, field experiments were conducted in collaboration with the Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) in Michigan. The findings indicate that TPRSs have a statistically significant impact on the driving speed of light vehicle drivers but not on medium and heavy vehicles, such as trucks. This study contributes to the existing literature by quantifying the safety benefits of TPRS use, providing valuable data for policymakers and construction professionals. By demonstrating the effectiveness of TPRSs in reducing the speed of light vehicles, this research supports the implementation of these systems as a practical measure for enhancing safety within road construction work zones. Additionally, this study highlights the need for tailored approaches to address the limited impact on larger vehicles, underscoring the importance of developing complementary strategies to ensure comprehensive safety improvements across all vehicle types.