What is a Rumble Device on the road designed to do?

Road safety is paramount for drivers, cyclists, pedestrians and more – and a rumble device plays a key role on the roads in the UK.

There are many features used on different roads across the country to protect drivers and other road users, so knowing what they are and how they work is vitally important.

Here, we look at rumble devices and what they are used for.

Rumble device

A rumble device – also known as a rumble strip – is a road safety feature designed to alert drivers through vibrations and audible noise when they are drifting out of their lane or approaching a hazardous area.

They are attached to the road either on the lanes, or in stages in a horizontal position towards a hazard.

There are examples where they are used on motorways, A-roads, in cities and in parking areas.

Motorway rumble devices alert drivers when they are veering off the road, or into another lane.

They are found along the centre line of two, three, or four-lane road. Drivers will feel them if they are moving into another lane going into the same direction of if they have drifted into oncoming traffic.

However, some devices are placed horizontally across the road, often before junctions, sharp turns, blind spots, or other potentially dangerous situations.

These are more commonly used to warn drivers to reduce speed or prepare for changes in driving conditions.

No matter where they are found, they cause a very noticeable vibration and a loud ‘rumbling’ noise, which alerts the driver on what they are approaching.

After feeling the rumble, drivers should check for accompanying road signs.

Tips for learner drivers

For learners who are out on the roads and feel a rumble device under their wheels, they should slow down and react accordingly.

Remain in the correct lane, unless indicating to move to another lane, and be aware of your surroundings.

When you are learning to drive, road safety is the top priority, and your instructor will teach you how to react accordingly to a rumble device.

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Purpose of a rumble device

The purpose of a rumble devices is to improve road safety for all users by alerting drivers to potential hazards or correcting driving errors.

Rumble devices that are found along road lanes alert drivers when they are drifting out of theirs and reduce the risk of running off the road or crossing into oncoming traffic.

This is particularly helpful for preventing accidents caused by tiredness, distraction, or reduced visibility due to the weather.

They also alert drivers of upcoming hazards, such as stop signs, sharp curves, or junctions. They tell the drivers to safely reduce their speed.

Ultimately, the goal is to reduce road collisions and increase safety.

What to if when approaching a rumble device

For drivers who can see and then feel the impact of a rumble device on their vehicle, they should reduce speed, but remain in control of the vehicle – as well as being aware of their surroundings.

Both hands must remain on the vehicle, and the driver should do as instructed by the road signs around them.

Government description of a rumble device

The Department for Transport (DfT) has a clear definition on these important safety features on the roads in the UK.

Their guide states: “Rumble devices across the road, either in the form of strips or larger areas, may be used to provide a visual, audible, and vibratory effect, often in rural locations.

“The intention is to alert drivers to a hazard ahead, usually a bend or road junction, and encourage them to reduce speed.

A warning sign may be used in association with a rumble device to identify the hazard, but the device itself is not the hazard and is not usually specifically signed.”