Mitigating Hydroplaning Risk Through Real-Time Rainfall Detection and Speed Recommendations

• Published in: PROCEEDINGS OF 6TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON CIVIL ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE, VOL 2, ICCEA 2023
• Main Authors: Rusli, Rusdi; Mohammad, Mazlina Zaira; Amri, Fatin Hamimi Saiful
• Format: Proceedings Paper
• Language: English
• Published: SPRINGER-VERLAG SINGAPORE PTE LTD 2024
• Subjects: Architecture; Construction & Building Technology; Engineering
• Online Access: https://www-webofscience-com.uitm.idm.oclc.org/wos/woscc/full-record/WOS:001307362000022

Speed selection is one of the factors associated with road traffic crashes. Additionally, the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research revealed that 63% of Malaysian highway crashes are caused by vehicle loss of control. Based on the design speed, a posted speed limit informs drivers of the maximum safe speed under usual travel conditions. However, the standard static posted speed limit may not be considered a safe speed in adverse weather conditions such as rain. Due to hydroplaning, vehicle tires can lose contact with the pavement, leading to out-of-control collisions. To address this issue, this project develops the Rainy Speed Advisory System (RSAS) to help drivers choose a safe speed in rainy conditions. RSAS consists of two components: real-speed detection to monitor current vehicle speed and advisory speed based on rainfall density. An online survey was conducted to gather road users' knowledge and feedback, involving 100 participants. The results reveal that over 28% of respondents had experienced hydroplaning-related road traffic crashes, and 82.9% did not know how to choose a speed in rainy conditions. About 92.8% of respondents agreed that the RSAS could help users select an appropriate speed during rain. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that innovative solutions like the RSAS might be used to reduce road traffic crashes and promote sustainable towns and communities. Road authorities, such as the Malaysian Highway Authorities, could adopt RSAS as an alternative to reduce traffic crashes along highways. RSAS might also be a viable solution for accident-prone locations on federal or state roads, particularly for crashes occurring during rainy conditions.