Suppression of Vehicle Splash and Spray

Higher average motor vehicle speeds, combined with wider and flatter highway pavements, have increased visibility problems for following and passing vehicles traveling on wet or snowy highways. Trucks, because of their size, configurations, and the diameter of their wheels, generally create a larger and denser splash and spray pattern than do most automobiles.

Reduced speeds for all motor vehicles on wet or snow covered highways offer an immediate solution to the problem. However, most research and testing to date has concentrated on mechanical devices which can be attached to the vehicle.

Some of these devices suppress splash and spray but are not practical due to adverse effects created in other important safety or operational areas.