This pilot study was undertaken to investigate whether presently available methods were capable of generating information on the relative contribution of microtexture and macrotexture to stopping distance at different speeds. Trials were conducted using the same late model Holden Commodore Station Wagon fitted with anti-lock brakes (ABS),a Global Positioning System (GPS), an accelerometer and a computer. Testing was carried out at four sites with different combinations of macrotexture and skid resistance. The test results suggest that 80 metres of road with consistent surface characteristics would be sufficient. Further investigation of the relation between crash occurrence and road surface characteristics, taking into account geometric characteristics and travel, would seem to be the most productive for the immediate future. (Author/publisher)
Abstract