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Difficulty: MediumTraffic Calming and Road Surfaces

High-friction (anti-skid) surfacing applied to the road on the approach to pedestrian crossings and junctions eliminates the risk of skidding, meaning drivers do not need to increase their braking distances in wet weather.

Answer: Answer

Answer

False. High-friction surfacing enhances grip on critical approaches but does not eliminate skidding or remove the requirement to allow greater stopping distances in wet conditions.
High-friction surfacing (often coloured red or beige) is laid on critical approaches to junctions, roundabouts, and pedestrian crossings to aid braking grip. However, it cannot overcome the laws of physics; wet conditions still reduce tyre adhesion, so drivers must still reduce speed and allow increased stopping distances.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the purpose and limitations of high-friction road surfacing.
Anti-skid surfacing increases micro-texture friction to help reduce braking distances and skidding risk under heavy braking.
Understanding the engineered purpose of specialized road surfaces prevents overestimating vehicle performance limits.
2
Evaluate the effect of wet weather on vehicle dynamics across all road surfaces.
Water acts as a lubricant between tyres and the road surface, increasing overall stopping distances and skidding risk regardless of surface dressing.
The Highway Code mandates adjusting speed and allowing at least double the normal separation distance on wet roads.
3
Determine the validity of the statement.
The statement claims the surface eliminates skidding and removes the need for increased braking distance, which is incorrect.
Specialist surfaces aid safety margins but do not replace cautious driving and defensive speed control.

Key Concept

Limitations and driver responsibilities on high-friction (anti-skid) road surfacing in adverse weather
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Traffic Calming and Road Surfaces

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