Here’s a few practical “rumble strip” points to ponder. Are they truly making our highway safer?
How many vehicle accidents have occurred along Highway 61 between Grand Marais and Grand Portage within the last 10 – 15 years? What have been the main causes of these? Deer? Moose? Other wild elements? Driving under the influence? Potholes and bumps? Slippery and icy conditions? How are rumble strips going to prevent these?
One could make butter in one’s vehicle during frost heave time between Grand Marais and Grand Portage due to moisture freezing in pavement cracks. This can also cause severe potholes. Will not this condition be exasperated by rumble strips? Imagine potholes in the middle of our highway. Cost?
Vehicles have a tendency to fishtail a bit when crossing these strips when passing another vehicle or when giving wider berth to bicyclists, walkers, or parked vehicles along highway shoulders. I have experienced this myself and have witnessed it in vehicles ahead of me. What happens when conditions are slippery and/or icy? There are now potholes also to contend with?
The unexpected loud noise these strips cause can also startle vehicle drivers and bicyclists thus possibly causing undesirable reactions.
What are the small bits of debris I see flying from under the tires of vehicles ahead of me when I see them crossing over these strips? Pavement? Tire rubber? Water in the holes?
Safety measures? At what price?
Mary Jo Flack
Hovland
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