Shoulder rumble strips are an effective countermeasure for preventing roadway departure crashes. The noise and vibration produced by rumble strips installed on the Ohio Turnpike shoulders alert drivers when they leave their lanes. In fact, the first shoulder rumble strips implemented in Ohio were installed on the Ohio Turnpike.
"A.E." from Chicago drives the length of the Ohio Turnpike at least twice each year. He caravans with his son from Chicago to college in Pennsylvania, usually at the beginning or end of a semester.
"He was following me as I led the way on the Turnpike," said A.E. (who asked that only his initials be used). "After a couple of hours, he fell asleep. He drifted across lanes and hit the rumble strips before the concrete barrier in the center shoulder. Fortunately, he woke up, and steered back onto the turnpike. I was able to get a non-fatigued driver behind the wheel of both cars. We arrived home safely. I felt like you (Ohio Turnpike engineers) saved his life and I wanted to say 'thank you.'"
"Drowsy driving is a serious risk and it can be as fatal as driving while intoxicated and texting behind the wheel," said Ed Miller, Safety Services Manager for the Ohio Turnpike.
"Get plenty of sleep the night before a long drive, schedule a break every few hours, avoid heavy foods and, if possible, travel with a passenger who can take turns driving," advised Miller.
|
|
|
