The Traffic Accident Reconstruction Origin -ARnews-

Re: Water running across roadway

Wilt Nelson ([email protected])
Fri, 30 Oct 1998 22:35:23 -0500 (EST)

Water on the road surface certainly can cause vehicle control problems. But, I doubt if we separate the specific causation problem without actually observing the action. A water course across the surface if angled can increase an abrupt drag on the tires that encounter the water first and pull the vehicle to that side. Simply having the water cross the road @ 90� can startle a driver and cause him/her to suddenly pull the steering wheel resulting in LOC. Hydroplaning can occur with new tires if the water depth and speed are sufficient and at speeds as low as 50 mph. Of course the situation becomes more critical if the tires are worn and/or are underinflated. 1/4 inch depth is a lot of water. You might also look for a dip in the road (making this a natural water course). A dip by itself on a dry day may contribute to LOC. Also the coeff. of friction for the road surface in that area may be lower that other stretches of road near there and/or be slippery when wet. Also obser
ve if the vehicles need to make a steering or braking maneuver in the vicinity of the water path over the road, e.g.; a stop sign ahead, a curve or other allignment problem.
Wilt Nelson
[email protected]

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