SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1986
STP20001S

Skid Resistance of Wet-Weather Accident Sites

Source

A small-scale, wet-weather accident study was conducted in the years 1981 to 1983 as part of a wider study on pavement texture. The researchers were notified of wet-weather accident occurrences, and the skid resistance was measured as soon as possible after the accident, usually within one day, but never more than two days. During the study period, 79 such sites were tested, 21 of which had multiple accidents. All sites were tested with the ribbed and blank test tires. Similar tests were made on control sections within 1.6 km (1 mile) of the accident sites. These were selected to have geometric and traffic characteristics similar to those of the accident sites. As it turned out, the data base was too small to warrant definitive conclusions. Uncertainties about accident causation were reflected in the fact that the data from the control sites were not significantly different from those of the accident sites. The results, however, show a trend consistent with findings by other researchers. Skid resistance measured with the blank tire is not only lower than that measured with the ribbed tire, but is also better as a predictor of skidding accident potential. Wet-weather accident data from Florida were also analyzed, and the results reinforced this conclusion. The use of data from both the blank and the ribbed tire for pavement evaluation is recommended for future study.

Author Information

Wambold, JC
Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
Henry, JJ
Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
Hegmon, RR
Federal Highway Administration, McLean, VA
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Details
Developed by Committee: E17
Pages: 47–60
DOI: 10.1520/STP20001S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-4991-5
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-0497-6