m99dws
15th February 2006, 02:01
I found this on another forum, seems it might offer an explanation into a few biker-offs!
PR287: URGENT WARNING: Very low road grip widely reported
news: for immediate release
The Safe Speed road safety campaign today issued an urgent warning to all road users of unusual low grip conditions. All road users need to take special care because of a greatly increased risk of skidding.
This follows anecdotal reports from all over the country of dangerous and unusual road conditions. New de-icer compounds may be to blame. Low rainfall may have contributed.
Drivers and cyclists are reporting that road grip levels are far below norms and expectations even where roads appear to be dry and temperatures are well above freezing. Cyclists have reported falling off and motorists have reported unexpected skidding.
The unusual low grip conditions are suspected to be due to the use of de-icer compounds that include molasses to stabilise the treatment layer. This innovation is intended to reduce costs and reduce the need for repeated treatments.
To make matters worse, reports suggest that grip levels are variable as well as low. This is the worst possible case because it can and will 'catch us out'.
Paul Smith, founder of the Safe Speed road safety campaign
(www.safespeed.org.uk) said: "It looks as if a very large and dangerous mistake may have been made. The use of mollases in de-icer compounds must be suspended immediately pending testing and investigation. Lives may well depend on it. All road users need to take special care. Braking distances may be greatly increased, and cornering may cause skidding at unusually low speeds. Wheel spin may result from acceleration even in higher gears."
"If the reports are correct - and we have no reason to doubt them - we must have a public investigation concerning how this situation came about. If the de-icer compounds are responsible we must test such innovations much more carefully in the future."
<ends>
PR287: URGENT WARNING: Very low road grip widely reported
news: for immediate release
The Safe Speed road safety campaign today issued an urgent warning to all road users of unusual low grip conditions. All road users need to take special care because of a greatly increased risk of skidding.
This follows anecdotal reports from all over the country of dangerous and unusual road conditions. New de-icer compounds may be to blame. Low rainfall may have contributed.
Drivers and cyclists are reporting that road grip levels are far below norms and expectations even where roads appear to be dry and temperatures are well above freezing. Cyclists have reported falling off and motorists have reported unexpected skidding.
The unusual low grip conditions are suspected to be due to the use of de-icer compounds that include molasses to stabilise the treatment layer. This innovation is intended to reduce costs and reduce the need for repeated treatments.
To make matters worse, reports suggest that grip levels are variable as well as low. This is the worst possible case because it can and will 'catch us out'.
Paul Smith, founder of the Safe Speed road safety campaign
(www.safespeed.org.uk) said: "It looks as if a very large and dangerous mistake may have been made. The use of mollases in de-icer compounds must be suspended immediately pending testing and investigation. Lives may well depend on it. All road users need to take special care. Braking distances may be greatly increased, and cornering may cause skidding at unusually low speeds. Wheel spin may result from acceleration even in higher gears."
"If the reports are correct - and we have no reason to doubt them - we must have a public investigation concerning how this situation came about. If the de-icer compounds are responsible we must test such innovations much more carefully in the future."
<ends>