A newly released independent study has highlighted the declining skid resistance on UK roads, prompting a call for the Government to take urgent action.
The research was carried out by the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL), and here at DrivingExperience.com, we are leading the call for action to be taken in light of this.
In its report*, the TRL states how 2023 saw a "low skid resistance" when considering all of the years in the analysis, which stretches way back to 2002.
Meanwhile, other data obtained by DrivingExperience.com from the Department for Transport (DfT) shows that there were 572 reported road collisions in 2023**, when a poor or defective road surface was a contributory factor, the highest since 2016.
Additional recent DfT data reveals there were 4,458 reported collisions in 2023 on a slippery road (due to weather), plus 655 reported collisions due to a deposit on the road, such as oil, mud, chippings**.
Dan Jones, operations manager at DrivingExperience.com, says: "This latest data raises concerns over road safety, particularly in wet or icy conditions, as changes in the weather are given as a possible explanation."
"Although government finances are stretched, we would remind those in power that road safety should always be a priority, regardless of what is making the roads less skid resistant."
Dan adds: "Knowing how to regain control in a skid situation is an important skill that all motorists should have."
"DrivingExperience.com recognises this need and we have Skid Pan Experiences available to book at UK wide venues, which offers a safe environment to help drivers feel confident on a low-grip surface."
Typically, skid pan experiences with an experienced instructor include being shown steering and pedal control to help prevent skid slide, plus learning about oversteer, understeer, emergency braking and 180° recovery.
* - https://trl.co.uk/uploads/trl/documents/PPR2036---Skid-resistance-Benchmark-sites-report-2023-surveys.pdf
** - https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/reported-road-accidents-vehicles-and-casualties-tables-for-great-britain#factors-contributing-to-collisions-and-casualties-ras07
