For those of us who want to remove those rumble strips, a little history.
In the 1960s, drivers were falling asleep on roads in southwestern states and rolling off roads (ROR).
Studies showed these types of accidents (ROR) occurred most often on highways with long, level stretches of highway (three or more miles) and increased as these roadways entered gentle curves. Several western states installed rumble strips on both shoulders of these roads.
By the 1980s, there were more studies available that showed that the shoulder rumble strips (SRS) had reduced the ROR-types accidents of these roads.
During on period between the ’60s and the ’80s, eastern turnpikes installed SRS, and the federal government (USDOT) included them as part of their Super Highway designs.
My question is: Why, if SRS reduced ROR-type accidents, were they not on more roads, instead of just a few?
From my research, it seems that incidents of ROR are primarily due to three causes – sleepy drivers were minor. The other causes were:
1. Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
2. Mechanical failures (blown tires, etc.);
3. Acts of nature – animals on road and unusual weather conditions.
From the MnDOT data I can find, in eight years there were eight deaths on Highway 61 of which three were related to alcohol.
If USDOT and MnDOT were serious about saving lives at all costs, then they would install SRS and center rumble strips (CRS) on the entire length of Highway 61 and make this highway a no-pass road with yellow double lines from Two Harbors to the Canadian border and add turn-outs for slow traffic.
Just a reminder to everyone that Duane Hill, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) District 1 engineer will be at the county board meeting next Tuesday, October 8. The meeting starts at 8:30 a.m.
A group of citizens is generating a list of Cook County residents who want the rumble strips removed. If you would like to help, contact Chuck Flickinger at (218) 475-2776.
Chuck Flickinger
Grand Marais
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