DANGER? WET WEATHER AHEAD

In this article, the problems associated with wet weather driving in South Africa are discussed, and safe practices outlined. In South Africa, major causes of collision in such weather are given as inadequate tyre tread on vehicles, and the inability of the driver to stop within a safe distance. The factors which affect stopping distance are given as: (1) perception time; (2) reaction time; (3) braking distance; and (4) for goods vehicles, brake lag. The perception time in wet weather is affected by reduced visibility. Visibility can be improved by using headlights, ensuring windows are demisted, and keeping the windscreen clean. Braking distance is affected by wet road surfaces. This can be improved by maintaining brakes and tyres in good condition. Speed reduction when driving in wet conditions, and testing brakes after use, and avoiding overloading vehicles, are all measures to improve braking distance.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00357391
• Corporate Authors:

  South African Road Safety Council

  NRSC Building, Beatrix Street, Private Bag 147X
  Pretoria 0001,   South Africa 
• Publication Date: 1989-3-4

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 3-5
• Serial:
  • ROBOT
  • Issue Number: 2
  • Publisher: SNELCO-PRO PUBLIC RELATIONS CONSULTANTS
  • ISSN: 0035-7391

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Brakes; Braking performance; Driving; Human factors; Maintenance; Pavements; Perception; Speed; Surface course (Pavements); Time; Tires; Visibility; Weather; Wet weather
• Uncontrolled Terms: Decreases; Wet pavements
• ITRD Terms: 1361: Brake; 1695: Braking distance; 9009: Decrease; 1855: Driving (veh); 2257: Human factor; 3847: Maintenance; 2229: Perception; 5408: Speed; 5414: Time; 1381: Tyre; 6783: Visibility; 2545: Weather; 3015: Wet road
• Subject Areas: Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Pavements; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00498636
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport and Road Research Laboratory (TRRL)
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Sep 30 1990 12:00AM