Quantifying the Effects of Surface Debris on Vehicle Deceleration Rate and Anti-lock Brake Systems

Roadway surfaces contaminated with gravel, sand, salt, or other debris may affect the stopping capability of a vehicle. This paper presents results of 96 skid-to-stop tests where the effects of roadway debris on vehicle deceleration were examined. Four vehicles of different types (light truck, sedan, sport, and sport utility vehicle) were tested, with and without the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) enabled, on roadway surfaces with and without a gravel and salt mixture. Significant decreases in both maximum and average deceleration rates between normal and gravel-contaminated roadways for each vehicle were observed. The test results provide quantification of the reduction in vehicle deceleration when gravel contaminates the roadway. Also, the effectiveness of ABS on gravel surfaces was examined.