Managing network skid risk in accordance with best practice
According to the Design Manual for Roads & Bridges (DMRB CS 228), skid resistance refers to the frictional properties of the road surface in wet conditions. A lack of grip or a “slippery” road surface can cause road traffic collisions meaning effective monitoring of skid resistance is vital. Asset managers must demonstrate robust, auditable procedures for assessing and prioritising works based on the risk of skidding therefore and through our survey solutions and XA© Risk Management module, clients gain access to a comprehensive package for managing, monitoring, and reporting on network risk. Our software delivers several key risk management functions.
- Validate & load SCRIM or GripTester data & investigatory levels
- Generate Skid Assessment Lengths (SALs)
- Highlight skid sites and complete detailed site investigations
- Complete detailed collision reviews to identify causation
- Identify remedial & precautionary maintenance tasks
- Manage skid policies and produce an audit trail of key actions
- Update site category / investigatory levels within a web-GIS system
- Generate comprehensive skid site reports with photos
Delivering widescale infrastructure risk management
XAIS-PTS strives to create immense value for clients, applying years of experience and industry expertise to tailor innovative solutions to solving real-word risk management problems. Our XA© Risk Management module is also extensively configurable, allowing for each user’s specific asset register, risk matrix, processes, and service levels to be applied. It is completely auditable and transparent, giving clients the confidence they need to progress risk management assessments and other highway infrastructure projects. The XA© Risk Management module can be used for any assets where risk policy and procedures have been produced, including but not limited to:
- Skidding
- Vehicle Restraint Systems (VRS)
- Drainage
- Utilities
- Flooding
- Structures
Local Authority Skid Resistance (LASR)
LASR is an award-winning joint research project representing 5 years of extensive research including a 3-year pilot study on 168 sites covering 13 Local Authority networks. The LASR approach supports local authorities in effective network risk management through:
- Focusing on the relationship between skid resistance & collision risk
- Justifying treatment and investment priorities through an evidence-based approach
- Delivery of comprehensive data analysis and detailed site investigations
Within the XA© Risk Management module, clients can access a number of features including:
- Detailed collision reviews to understand the route cause of recorded collisions, which in turn feed into maintenance prioritisation
- Processing of detailed investigations and Skid Assessment Lengths (SALs) to produce
prioritised treatments / actions in line with client skid policies and procedures
International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP) Road Safety Analysis
iRAP is a system designed to evaluate and improve road infrastructure safety globally. The aim is to reduce road traffic fatalities and injuries by identifying and addressing high-risk areas, as well as improving road design and management. The iRAP safety assessment evaluates roads based on several factors including:
- Road design and geometry - Features such as curves, intersections, lane widths, and road surface conditions
- Traffic volume and types - Including vehicle types and pedestrian presence
- Asset inventory - Ensuring there are appropriate road signs, signals, protective barriers, line markings and more
- Road user behaviour - Analysing how the infrastructure interacts with traffic behaviours, like speeding or unsafe pedestrian crossings
Through our XA© Risk Management module, practical applications include:
- Inspect high-risk roads and develop iRAP Star Ratings and risk maps for motorists, motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians
- Track road safety performance and evaluate investment and maintenance decisions
- Integrate iRAP data with other established processes including SCRIM® / skid analysis and LASR crash modelling, to deliver balanced network safety management outcomes
- Incorporate data within XA© Scheme Assembler to deliver safety focused maintenance. We utilise iRAP safety ratings in our scheme prioritisation as standard
- Minimise the need for engineer site visits
- Complete road safety improvement planning or active travel analysis
Why Choose XAIS-PTS?
At XAIS-PTS our team has a wealth of experience, and we deliver comprehensive risk management solutions alongside our surveys, professional services, materials testing, certification, and design services.
If you have any questions or queries about our services, please contact us today – our team will be more than happy to have a conversation with you regarding your project requirements!