RAINFALL AND VISIBILITY. THE VIEW FROM BEHIND THE WHEEL

The factors influencing wet weather accidents are complex, a fact readily ignored by many who would blame tire pavement friction for all wet weather problems. A factor of significance is visibility, as influenced not only by rainfall intensity but to a great extent by traffic speed. The report presents a limited number of direct visibility observations and develops a framework useful in interpreting these data to determine the influence of reduced visibility on the operation of motor vehicles. Information from the literature shows the low probability of high intensity rainfalls. Conclusions concerning the hazard of passing maneuvers during rainfall of 1 in./hr. or more and the need to reduce speed under wet weather conditions are also presented.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Also in Journal of Safety Research, Vol. 7, No. 4 December 1975.
• Corporate Authors:

  Texas Transportation Institute

  Texas A&M University System, 1600 E Lamar Boulevard
  Arlington, TX  United States  76011

  Texas State Department of Highways & Public Transp

  P.O. Box 5051
  Austin, TX  United States  78763
• Authors:
  • Ivey, D L
  • Lehtipuu, E K
  • Button, J W
• Publication Date: 1975-2

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos; Tables;
• Pagination: 61 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Crash causes; Hazards; Maneuverability; Moisture content; Passing; Prevention; Rainfall; Safety; Traffic control; Traffic crashes; Traffic flow; Traffic speed; Velocity; Visibility
• Uncontrolled Terms: Motor vehicle accidents; Rainfall intensity; Wet conditions
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Safety and Human Factors; Security and Emergencies;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00090659
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: TTI-1-10-70-135-3 Res Rpt
• Files: NTIS, TRIS, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Jun 10 1975 12:00AM