News Published on : 07-Oct-2021 09:51:08

Coventry University researchers are hoping to save lives through a new device they ve developed to prevent vehicles from aquaplaning and losing traction control due to adverse road conditions. The prototype product aims to prevent aquaplaning and loss of traction in a variety of road conditions. Aquaplaning also referred to as hydroplaning happens when a layer of surface water builds up between a vehicle s tyres and the road surface leading to a complete loss of grip. This can occur with as little as 2-3mm of standing water on the road surface when vehicles are travelling at a variety of speeds and is a leading cause of road traffic accidents. The RDTS presents a novel potential solution to aquaplaning and the loss of traction by preventing water and other contaminants from reaching the tyre. The device works by firing a jet of compressed gas close to the front of the wheel removing surface water in front of the tyre to ensure the vehicle has a dry patch of road ahead. This effectively ensures grip is not compromised by road contaminants such as water sand and gravel. Professor Mike Blundell Professor of Vehicle Dynamics and Impact at Coventry University said: Our tests demonstrate that RDTS has the potential to make a huge impact on vehicle safety in a whole host of conditions. The prospect of producing something that could even save lives on the road is extremely exciting and after some initial success with testing we re now eager to look into manufacturing potential and further research to take this concept to the next level. A device like this really could be the difference between life and death if it can help vehicles to stop safely within certain distances and that s why we re so keen to continue developing this concept.