Aug. 26, 2019 – For immediate release.
JEFFERSON CITY—Motorists sometimes think they’ve encountered an obstacle or debris in the roadway, but that rumble on the road is there for a reason.
Temporary rumble strips are just one of a number of safety devices used by the Missouri Department of Transportation to provide an additional layer of protection for everyone in work zones, whether you are working or driving.
“Temporary rumble strips are comprised of a series of raised elongated bumps laid down on the surface of the roadway to provide both sound and vibration to alert motorists of changing road conditions ahead requiring your complete attention,” explained State Maintenance Director Natalie Roark. “These conditions could encompass any number of situations, including lane closures, speed reductions, uneven pavement or work zones.”
Placement of temporary rumble strips is designed to give motorists enough time to react safely before encountering potentially hazardous road conditions. If you hear the rumble and feel the vibrations don’t panic, Roark said, but focus on the road and be alert to changing conditions ahead.
To help inform drivers about this safety tool, MoDOT has created an educational video that can be found at https://youtu.be/if4JKLh5NBQ.
“Slow down, be alert and avoid distractions,” Roark said. “According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving claimed 3,166 lives in 2017 alone.”
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For more information, call MoDOT at 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) or visit www.modot.org. To receive the latest statewide news and text alerts, signup for e-updates.
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