Pavement Safety

Pavement Edge Drop-Offs

  • The Safety Edge: Pavement Edge Treatment
    This tri-fold brochure from the FHWA's Office of Safety describes the hazards of unsafe pavement edge drop-offs, and describes how properly designed pavement edges can save lives, reduce tort liability, reduce maintenance expense, and cost less than 1 percent of a pavement resurfacing budget. FHWA recommends a 30° – 35° angle “Safety Edge” that interfaces with the adjacent unpaved surface.

  • Consideration and Implementation of Proven Safety Countermeasures: Safety Edge
    In July 2008, the FHWA issued a guidance memorandum that highlighted nine proven safety countermeasures, and when and where they should be used. The Safety Edge was among the recommended countermeasures. Click here to read the cover memo and the specific guidance dealing with the Safety Edge.

  • Evaluation of the Safety Edge
    This multi-year Transportation Pooled Fund Program study TPF-5(097), launched in 2004, is evaluating the effectiveness of safety edges in reducing crash frequency and severity. Study partners include California, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, New York, and Utah.

  • Safety Impacts of Pavement Edge Drop-offs [PDF 2.69 MB]
    This 2006 research report focuses on quantification of the contribution of pavement edge drop-offs to crash frequency and severity, particularly on rural two-lane paved roadways with unpaved shoulders. Research was conducted in Iowa and Missouri. The report also contains a useful summary of national, State, and (Canadian) Provincial guidance regarding pavement edge drop-offs. Research panel recommendations for addressing pavement edge drop-offs are included.

Rumble Strips and Rumble Stripes

  • Overview
    Rumble strips or stripes have a series of indented or raised elements that alert drivers through vibration and sound when their vehicles leave the traveled lane. The Overview includes links to a Rumble Strip Fact Sheet, as well as information on effectiveness, costs and benefits, frequently asked questions, and areas of concern.

  • FHWA Technical Advisory: Roadway Shoulder Rumble Strips
    This 2001 FHWA Technical Advisory document contains information on state-of-the-practice for the design and installation of shoulder rumble strips and provides guidelines for their use on appropriate rural segments of the National Highway System (NHS). It covers development, use, common designs, locations, and spacing, including FHWA recommendations for rumble strip installation.

  • Technical Advisory Letter
    This February 2005 Technical Advisory Letter from the FHWA suggests a compromise between deeper rumble strips that increase the warning for drivers, and shallower rumble strips that are less dangerous to bicyclists.

  • Rumble Strips Resources and References
    Click here for a wealth of information about rumble strips: synthesis reports, research reports, web links, and expert contacts.

Pavement Friction and Skid Resistance

Program Contact

Cathy Satterfield

708-283-3552

Publications

Low Cost Treatments for Horizontal Curve Safety

Pavement Edge Brochure: The Safety Edge