Plastic Safety Systems introduced the first RoadQuake Temporary Portable Rumble Strip (TPRS) in 2009. RoadQuake TPRS is a transverse rumble strip that alerts drivers, especially distracted drivers, to changing road conditions, like upcoming work zones or lane closures. RoadQuake is designed to reduced accidents and save lives.
As is usually the procedure with new, innovative traffic safety countermeasures, potential users, like a state Department of Transportation, will test products before approving, specifying or mandating their use.
Manufacturers, at least those confident in their new technology, welcome demonstrations, especially live, in-traffic, demonstrations. A live demo usually proves the manufacturer’s claims, and satisfies the potential user’s requirements for the device.
Most traffic safety practitioners recognize that speeding, improper lane changes and tailgating are the prime reasons for crashes and fatalities in work zones. Distracted driving is a suspected root cause for all.
Often, for example, drivers do not see warning or work zone speed limit signs. Or, they are blissfully unaware of traffic conditions around them. RoadQuake TPRS alerts those distracted drivers to return their focus to their driving.
PSS scheduled a demonstration with Josh Olson, Senior Region Bridge Engineer, Aberdeen Region, South Dakota DOT (SDDOT), in early June of this year. Actually, it was more of a trial period than single demo; we agreed to provide RoadQuake TPRS at no charge to SDDOT for tests in several applications over several months.
Olson chose a location in Summit, S.D., to test RoadQuake TPRS. Summit is near northeastern South Dakota, where I-29 and US Route 12 intersect. Summit is about 75 miles due east of Aberdeen, along US 12.
Olson installed RoadQuake TPRS at Mile Marker 207, just north of the I-29 / US 12 interchange. Josh deployed the rumble strips in both northbound and southbound lanes for about two hours apiece. The strips were placed in both lanes of traffic about 200-300 feet ahead of the lane reduction warning signs. SDDOT deployed three strips per lane, with spacing about 10 ft on center between strips.
The exchange itself features long entry and exit ramps, with the usual merging traffic. Olson selected the location because “it’s a little tricky, with the large amount of truck traffic.”
Tricky indeed, but RoadQuake TPRS was up to the task. Josh observed that only one strip of six moved after two hours, and that the strip moved no more than ½ in. Movement was almost non-existent, despite trucks running over the strips at 75-80 mph.
Olson was impressed with their performance. RoadQuake TPRS “seemed to work really well at that location.”
“I have been pretty impressed with them so far,” he said. “I have been using them mainly on the interstate and like the response I’m getting from traffic.”
Confident in the performance of our innovative technology, we welcome the opportunity to demonstrate that RoadQuake TPRS alerts drivers, reduces accidents and save lives.
Please contact PSS at 800-662-6338 or plasticsafety.com.
