The Effects of Right Side Water Drag on Vehicle Dynamics and Accident Causation

It has long been recognized that the automobile accident rate is much greater during inclement weather conditions. The literature usually focuses first on lower friction values and secondly on hydroplaning, also known as aquaplaning. Tests were conducted with an automobile at different speeds at various water depths to evaluate the effect of drag and retardation. This paper evaluates the effect of asymmetric wheel loading as experienced when traveling on a road where water has pooled in the gutter and right side of the travel lane. Automobile trajectories are portrayed for different conditions. Certain safety considerations are then discussed for when automobile drivers experience this phenomenon.