Linking roadway crashes and tire–pavement friction: a case study

Abstract

Tire–pavement friction is a factor that can affect the rate of vehicle crashes. Several studies have suggested that reduced friction during wet weather conditions, due to water on the pavement surface reducing the contact area between the tire and the pavement, increases vehicle crashes. This study evaluates the effect of friction on both wet- and dry-condition crashes. The data for the study were provided by the New Jersey Department of Transportation. Regression analysis was performed to verify the effect of friction on the rate of wet- and dry-condition vehicle crashes for various types of urban roads. It was found that friction is not only associated with the rate of wet-condition vehicle crashes, but it also impacts the rate of dry-condition vehicle crashes. The analysis also suggested that the developed regression models could be used to define the friction demand for different road categories.

Keywords:

• friction
• road safety
• locked-wheel
• skid resistance
• crashes