Reconstructing Collisions Involving Ice and Slippery Surfaces

The appropriate friction coefficient value for real world collision scene investigation is essential to the accident reconstructionist. Many of these values are obtained from resistance tables published periodically from the 1930's. Tire-roadway friction values are dependent on the type of instrument used to obtain the value, the type of braking force available, the type of roadway contamination and numerous other physical factors. Friction value data tables are available in numerous texts, but these values occasionally need to be improved upon.

The purpose of this paper is to present the findings of a five year study of friction values for slippery surfaces at “real world” collision scenes located in the western part of the state of Washington.