Transport research organisation ARRB has released guidelines on the use of high friction surface treatments – compounds designed to make roads more skid resistant.
The guidelines are aimed at assisting local councils and road asset managers in properly using the treatments, which ARRB believes could help reduce the road toll by making roads more skid resistant, especially at known black spots and pedestrian crossings.
Used appropriately, ARRB says the treatments can help stop a vehicle skidding on or off roads and increase a vehicle’s ability to brake more effectively at critical times
Using polymer resin, ARRB says a high friction surface treatment can be applied to existing roads that are in good condition.
“These guidelines will enable those responsible for maintaining road networks to make informed decisions, and to select the right treatment for the right spots, with the aim of improving road safety,” Steve Patrick, ARRB Senior Professional Leader, Future Transport Infrastructure, who compiled the guide, says.
ARRB says with 50% of urban crashes occurring at intersections – and a high percentage of rural crashes involving cars leaving the road – discovering roads where skid resistance should be improved is vital.
ARRB’s High Friction Surface Guide to Good Practice is available for all local government authorities and road asset managers here.
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