Friction is your friend in bad weather
SAIF’s latest Science of Safety video offers insights and practical tips into how friction can help drivers and pedestrians stay safe.
How does friction work? | Science of Safety
In this episode of Science of Safety, find out how friction works, and how we can use it to our advantage to stay safe as we walk and drive.
Whether it’s rain, snow, or ice, Oregon’s weather can throw challenges at drivers and pedestrians. Cars can spin and slide on icy or wet roads. People can take a tumble on slippery walkways.
Understanding friction—or how two surfaces interact with each other—becomes more important when conditions are slippery. Check out the latest Science of Safety video above for insights into how friction works, as well as some practical advice on how to make it work for you.
Tips
Make sure your vehicle tires are in good condition. The treads on your tires create friction so the rubber stays in contact with the pavement. Similarly, the ridges and grooves move water away to help the rubber maintain that contact with the surface. But if your treads are worn down, the smooth surface provides less friction, meaning less grip and potentially more accidents.
Video: Why tread matters
Wear shoes that are suitable for the weather conditions. Thick, grooved rubber insoles work similarly to tires, providing good grip in wet or slippery conditions.
Video: Why materials matter
Be aware of where you’re applying pressure or force. When walking, take small steps and keep your weight consistently over your feet to ensure the maximum friction possible. When you’re driving, lower speeds and smooth acceleration, turning, and braking help keep your vehicle weight more evenly distributed to avoid skids and spins.
Video: Why weight matters
Be cautious. The best strategy to avoid slipping is just to avoid slick surfaces when possible whether driving or walking.
Video: Why caution matters
Friction isn’t just for scientists—you can use it in your everyday life to help stay safe from slips, crashes, and injuries.
Other resources:
- Learn what you can do with winter weather’s increased risk of slips, trips, and falls.
- 10 tips for driving in extreme weather.
- When the going gets slippery, walk like a penguin.
Other Science of Safety videos: