Forensic Engineering Aspects Of Hydroplaning Issues In Roadway Accidents

Abstract

Loss Of Control Of Motor Vehicles On High-Speed Roadways Commonly Results In Injury-Producing Or Even Fatal Accidents. The Economic Consequences Of Such Accidents Can Lead To The Roadway Agency Becoming A Party To Litigation As To The Causes Of The Accident. One Such Potential Cause Is The Vehicle Hydroplaning As The Result Of An Excessive Water Depth On The Pavement Surface. Causes Of That Excessive Accumulation Can Include Design And/Or Construction Of The Roadway That Fails To Meet The State-Of-The-Art With Regard To The Minimum Pavement Grade Or Cross-Slope In Conjunction With The Adequacy Of The Minimum Surface Friction. Because Such Design Assertions Not Are Allowable Under A Number Of State Laws, The More Common Claim Is For Failure To Maintain The Pavement With Periodic Repair And Rehabilitation Efforts That Reflect The Current State-Of-The-Art With Regard To Available Surface Maintenance And Rehabilitation Treatments That Minimize The Safety Effects Of Such Water Accumulation.