Citation

Edwards JB. J. Transp. Geogr. 2002; 10(4): 303-311.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/S0966-6923(02)00044-3

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper examines motorists' speeds in wet weather compared with non-hazardous dry conditions (the control) for two separate survey locations on the M4 motorway, south Wales. One site was surfaced with conventional asphalt, whilst the other location had a porous asphalt wearing course. The aim of this study is to establish whether drivers compensate for the additional risks posed in rain by reducing their speed in wet weather. Drivers are slowing down in wet weather, but only marginally; and although the speed reductions proved statistically significant, they are insufficient to compensate for the additional wet weather risks imposed. Such findings have broader implications for the government's road safety targets.