This paper examines the effects of rain on the British driving environment and the resulting response of drivers. Rain causes reduction in the friction of the road surface and reduces visibility. The study investigated traffic flow in and around the city of Cardiff, south Wales. There was very little increase in traffic flow in the city and a slight reduction on outer routes in wet weather. Data was collected on motorway driving to determine speed: it was found that drivers reduced their speed slightly but not enough for the changed conditions. The relationship between accidents and wet weather throughout England and Wales was examined; the number of accidents increased although not their severity. The author concludes that more should be done to represent the hazards of wet weather driving to motorists and to change driving behaviour. For the covering abstract see ITRD E113725 (C 22328 CD-ROM).
Samenvatting