Comments on: BTOA Expresses Concern Over Rumble Strips

By: Jus' Wonderin'

Jus' Wonderin' — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 16:06:29 +0000

That’s not my point….they’re more of an annoyance than safety measure. What do they protect or help with?

By: JohnBoy

JohnBoy — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 10:16:06 +0000

I shall rephrase my question – how many tourists have had a collision there?

Anyone who has been here long enough knows there is a corner there…

By: Keepin' it Real!...4Real!

Keepin' it Real!...4Real! — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 09:38:27 +0000

well how many times have you killed yourself on that death trap of a corner..?

By: Whistling Frog

Whistling Frog — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 08:51:00 +0000

So far, I’ve see a hubcap, basket, CV- joint boot cove and a nut in the area of those ferocious rumble strips. I hope no one loses a brake line speeding over them. Why not put a speed camera there instead and send the offenders their tickets in the mail…

By: Unhappy driver

Unhappy driver — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 06:21:07 +0000

I have hated these strips from day one, get rid of them. Never liked driving over them, fast or slow

By: somuchless

somuchless — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 05:29:39 +0000

Now that was a good one! Lolololol

By: sage

sage — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 01:20:42 +0000

I have never had an issue in over 30 years on a bike, could ride round that “corner” with no hands despite the camber being slightly off.

By: Justice For All

Justice For All — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 01:15:15 +0000

So agree with the BTOA!!! They are placed in the most silly of places like Langton Hill on the corner coming off the hill. No matter how slow you go the wheels on my car slide and its worse when the roads are wet!!! Now is that safe???

By: sage

sage — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 01:13:46 +0000

So why is it a frequent accident spot? The purveyors of a drug known to seriously impair driving abilities should have no responsibility when their patrons crash? Having one intoxicant option for socializing and allowing alcohol in the system up to a prescribed level are partly to blame too don’t you think? If you think that there is no correlation between those legal drug dealers and this “problem corner” I suggest http://www.aa.bm.

By: Purple Koolaid

Purple Koolaid — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 00:49:51 +0000

Is your care made of glass? Get real. The car companies test their shocks and handling at much higher speeds, on rumble strips, in snow, rain, and all sorts of conditions! Geeesh, some people complain about everything.

By: Purple Koolaid

Purple Koolaid — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 00:47:05 +0000

If you were riding at 40kpm but didn’t see a large number of bright yellow strips in the road on a corner approach, and think “hmm I should slow down” then perhaps you have a bigger problem. What do you mean “threw you off balance”. Did you have an accident? Did you slide on your seat? hat exactly do you mean?

Try again tomorrow, this time “really” do 40kph and report back! I did 40 kph over them with my son on the back and had no problem.

By: Purple Koolaid

Purple Koolaid — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 00:39:54 +0000

Yes the area is a hotspot for accidents. And yes Bermudians and non-Bermudians have died on the corner. One could argue that some of the accidents were self induced and / or driver related.

However, lets not lose sight of why the rumble strips are there in the first place. If that make you feel uncomfortable and make too much noise, you are going TOO FAST! They are designed like thy ones on the side of most highways, to wake you up, startle you and make you pay attention if you drift or drive dangerously.

If those little bumps are causing your car steering to go out of alignment, well lets just say that your car was very likely in need of it anyway. It might be from all of the illegal right hand turns that cabbies do every day on Front Street around the bird cage.

Slow down, do 40kph and I will be safe, you won’t feel the rumble strips and your car will be just fine.

By: Huh?

Huh? — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 00:38:59 +0000

At over 60kph it’s possible to believe that effect Bermy.

By: Huh?

Huh? — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 00:30:03 +0000

Once I drove over a 10″ deep pothole at 8kph and sustained ZERO damage! Imagine THAT!

By: amazing grace

amazing grace — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 00:27:05 +0000

I hate those damned things just like speed bumps…every time I haul *** over them, my bike/car gets damaged more and more. Why do we need these hindrances anyway. Ack Ack.

By: Harry Buttle

Harry Buttle — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 00:13:42 +0000

What is your car made if? Bamboo and binder twine?

By: Herb

Herb — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 23:50:09 +0000

MJ, just where do you get your information with regards to alcohol causing most accidents.

The official police statistics state that 4.5% of accidents are related to alcohol.

Majority of accidents are from SPEEDING AND RECKLESS DRIVING ATTITUDES.

1800 plus accidents last year and 84 were caused by DUI

Please get your facts straight before typing.

By: Cafe Au Lait

Cafe Au Lait — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 23:02:59 +0000

In wet weather these smooth rumble bumps are very very dangerous. I have slipped on them. Putting these things there makes the road MORE dangerous than doing nothing. The people who decided to lay these down need their heads looking at.

By: Mark Wheddon

Mark Wheddon — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 22:45:54 +0000

They are there to wake up people who are nodding off just b4 that corner, which has claimed several lives due too that fact. My brother died in a car crash when the driver nodded off, not in that location but due to the driver falling asleep while driving. What I would give for those to have been in place in the location of his accident. It is a small inconvenience to pay to help save someone’s life. Just think, it could be your life that is saved. Remember, you dont need to be the driver in order to killed in a road traffic accident by someone else falling asleep at the wheel.

Merry Christmas to All, and slow down with your driving and complaining

By: Sparky

Sparky — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 22:40:46 +0000

These “Go Fast Strips” are great over 60Kph. Under 50Kph they are a death trap. I have engaged them at both speeds and @ >65Kph they are no problem. Try it and see !

By: Alvin Williams

Alvin Williams — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 22:27:04 +0000

The only driving element that will not complain is the drive home in the rush hour traffic; where most time the traffic is at a crawl; however the longer you take to go over the rumble strips; the more irritated you are likely to become. Hate to suggest it but could the placement of speed cameras have the desired effect; slow down the traffic or pay the price?

By: mj

mj — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 22:05:43 +0000

manufactured cars are modified for Bermuda and they are not tested on our roads, obviously, we ship in the cars… the rumble out of the jungle is chaotic, silly and money wasted! drunkards need not drive while intoxicated! alcohol causes sooo much stress why don’t we ban it! IF WE HAVE TO MAKE ANOTHER CHANGE TO ACCOMODATE ALCOHOL!!!!I will scream bloody mary!!!!!alcohol causes most accidents and yet we keep trying to accomodate it????

By: shaken

shaken — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 21:54:05 +0000

Incorrect. Going slower puts forces through vehicle in the form of severe rattling throughout car. Higher speeds the forces are limited to unsprung components. There is a reason why elsewhere their use is recommended for over 50mph

By: Watcher55

Watcher55 — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 21:17:17 +0000

This is just another stupid idea by the “engineers” that are employed and paid by us, they have no clue what so ever on any type of rural or any other kind of design, they need some constructive work to do, nowhere else would the type of lazy and half baked work would be tolerated, how can they justify the dozens of chevron signs they installed on the gentle bend at the end of the road by the roundabout!

Hopefully priitisation will help thin out these “job for lifers” who are not productive in the least with “management” who are their equals.

By: PBanks

PBanks — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 21:16:24 +0000

1. what does it matter the nationality of who dies in that location?
2. even so, both Bermudians and non-Bermudians have been involved in serious collisions there. So the powers that be need to address it. Don’t think the newest set of rumble strips are going to affect things, mind you.

By: Tom

Tom — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 21:04:45 +0000

Reading Dereck Youngs statement that the rumble strips are causing mis-alignment of front ends, meter malfunctions are is another ploy to get the Gov to repair worn out vehicles and bad wiring on meters. Ask any reputable mechanic about rumble strips causing mis-alignment and they will laugh.

By: Shell

Shell — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 21:00:25 +0000

Compared to all the other roads I drive on each day East Broadway with the rumble strips is a lot smoother. Bermudas road have always been bumpy. I always slow down when necessary. If these rumble strips are causing a problem for taxis I can’t imagine what the other roads are doing to their vehicles. I have been in taxis where my life flashes before me because they drive like bats out of hell. 2 weeks ago my son and I were holding hands in the back of a taxi because we were so nervous. Slow down. There is nowhere on this island that I need to race to and endanger my life or someone else’s.

By: Build a Better Bermuda

Build a Better Bermuda — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 20:35:33 +0000

But then your vehicle absorbs more wear and tear

By: Build a Better Bermuda

Build a Better Bermuda — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 20:33:36 +0000

I agree, they could have achieved a similar effect with a less jarring strategy.

By: CRAZY RIDER

CRAZY RIDER — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 20:30:56 +0000

but they dont sell you the car after they beat the hell out of it they only do that to ensure the safety or quality of the car isnt ruined if by CHANCE the driver hits a bump at driving speed

By: Runner

Runner — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 20:30:28 +0000

Tell me about it. How about the absolutely atrocious condition of South Shore road in Devonshire by Devonshire Bay. W&E attempted to put down new asphalt but the majority has eroded already and left horribly unsafe road conditions. How long do we have to wait for them to fix this? Someone will have a terrible accident with all the new man-made grooves on this stretch of road. Drive it every day to and from and have almost skidded out many times already. and not to mention the dust storm that results from the deterioration.

By: Build a Better Bermuda

Build a Better Bermuda — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 20:28:27 +0000

I see the purpose of rumble strips, however, the ones installed are actually far rougher than they need to be, and can be positioned much closer to the corner. More noise can still be achieved with less bounce.
To counter your point that they encourage speed to reduce the damage to your car, that is actual a myth born from the difference felt by the car than by the driver. It has actually been tested to show that going over those at faster speeds will produce worse wear on the vehicle than at lower speeds. However, the perceived effect from the driver’s point of view is the opposite, and this is directly related to how your cars suspension reacts. At a slow speed the pressure on the suspension is not sufficient enough to cause it to expand an contract as much, so the vehicle will bounce more as the suspension absorbs less of the shock. This makes the ride more uncomfortable for the rider. However, the faster you go, the more force that is exerted on the suspension as it contacts the bumps, the more they are forced to contract, creating the sensation that the ride is smoother. But as there is more force and energy being directed back at the vehicle at the higher speeds, the more wear and tear the vehicle is exposed to. While you may not feel it, this is because your vehicle does. The stiffness of your suspension also bears a relation to this.
In summary, if you don’t want to wear your car down faster, bring your speed down slower. It just means you will have to bear a bit more bounce to your body.

By: shaken

shaken — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 20:27:23 +0000

GTA, as you mentioned they will not damage if driven at appropriate speeds. You do know the appropriate speed is over 50mph!? At 20mph these ones are for sure causing damage.

By: Tough Love

Tough Love — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 20:16:05 +0000

Lol! True!

By: PC

PC — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 20:04:40 +0000

If something happens directly in front of you as you are travelling over the strips your stopping distance will increase drastically, considering your tires are not in constant contact with the road. It’s common sense. Placing them at a crosswalk is also dangerous for the same reason. They decrease safety tremendously. If one on a motorcycle hit’s them at an angle (not straight on) it could be very dangerous, especially for a tourist on a moped who isn’t very good even on smooth roads. Plus the wear and tear it’s placing on a vehicles suspension, which in time will wear out faster then usual and increases a cars stopping distances. They should be removed, they actually do the opposite of why they were installed. And for the individual who mentioned they wake up a person who’s falling asleep. If you are falling asleep you shouldn’t be on the road. I’ve drove over them at 20, 30, 40, 50km. It’s better driving over them at faster speed, how is that supposed to decrease your speed?

By: JohnBoy

JohnBoy — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 19:57:00 +0000

My question is – have any non-locals died in that spot??

Every Bermudian is aware of that corner. So what’s the real problem here???!!!

By: Coffee

Coffee — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 19:44:13 +0000

Whatever happened to the speed detection devices . We see the signs throughout Bermuda , but no enforcement ..

By: PBanks

PBanks — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 19:35:44 +0000

Nobody’s discounting the safety elements, but as Frustrated Motorist says earlier, this particular set of rumble strips is more likely to encourage drivers to speed over them vs slowing down.

Just like the electronic smiley face display, it’s a waste of money that does little to improve road safety along that road.

By: Sunshine

Sunshine — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 19:25:39 +0000

The strips are ridiculous. I for one will not subject my car to them. I need my car to last as long as it can. those strips are damaging to cars. I will go out of town using middle road and come down cork screw hill. The few more minutes it takes to do this will surely benefit my car. And going over them at a faster speed is much better. I would not slow down for them. It is downright awful driving over them at a slow speed.

By: Tisk

Tisk — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 19:18:31 +0000

Wouldn’t it be a better idea to discourage people from drunk driving rather than attack legitimate businesses? The idea the their location with respect to East Broadway has an impact on drunk driving is ludicrous.

By: GTA

GTA — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 19:10:58 +0000

Rubble strips are to alert inattentive drivers, they will not damage your car or bike if you are driving at appropriate speeds. I have driven over them on bike and car with no issues. “Those strips have caused our meters to malfunction, wheels to become misaligned and has even caused a driver to get his steering and front end checked” seems like you are blaming poor maintenance of your vehicles on this, or your are simply annoyed by the fact they cause some noise and a bumpy ride for 5 seconds out of your day. If you think your vehicle was damaged due to this please make a claim with your insurance company or take the issue to court with something to back up your baseless claims.

By: cmbbda

cmbbda — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 18:57:50 +0000

LOL! Pat should resign over some rumble strips installed to make our roads safer?? Get a grip!

By: Jokers

Jokers — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 18:30:11 +0000

The roads in general will put strain on your vehicle, people need to stop acting like we have a flat raceway. Our roads are bumpy in every parish and yes your car will need maintenance just like everything else that requires a driver. Some people live on rail way trail dirt roads…..thats just life. Leave it to us to worry more about our cars than a persons life being saved. Priorities ?????

By: sage

sage — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 18:28:56 +0000

They’re worse at lower speeds, if you go fast enough you feel them less.

By: sage

sage — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 18:27:58 +0000

Slow or fast they ruin suspensions and steering, stupidest thing I’ve seen since the less bone-jarring versions were installed and removed, all because no one wants to address the proliferation of bars and liquor stores at the other end of east broadway. They need to be removed, end of story. No chevrons on Harbour road or any other corners. Pat should resign.

By: Cisco

Cisco — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 18:27:37 +0000

You can say slow down if you like, you can practically walk the car over those strips, I still agree that they have to do some harm to your car..

By: Bermy

Bermy — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 18:08:38 +0000

No the corner is. It’s off camber pushing vehicles out towards the curb, the effect is even worse on a bike.

By: LOL

LOL — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 17:52:32 +0000

ALSO….FIX UP THE LOOSE GRAVEL BEFORE COLLECTIONS HILL AND AFTER DEVONSHIRE BAY. I DID DECK OUT THERE THE OTHER DAY BECAUSE OF IT…NEXT TIME I’M TAKING YOU TO COURT FOR REAL!

By: Are you kidding me!

Are you kidding me! — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 17:50:34 +0000

You must not be that good of rider if they threw you off balance!

Perhaps you shouldn’t be riding a bike.

By: Not Correct

Not Correct — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 17:49:03 +0000

Rumble strips are used in other parts of the world and do transvers the lane of travel. They are used as an impending indication of either a change in condition or caution for a dangerous section in a road ahead. They are not just used on the side of the roads as you have indicated.