What makes asphalt pavement so safe for driving?
Safety is largely a function of maintaining tire contact with the pavement surface and skid resistance of the surfacing. Asphalt has microtexture, which aids in skid resistance. Asphalt roads also are quieter than concrete roads because they don’t have expansion joints to create noise. Other safety features of asphalt: Asphalt is impervious to de-icing salts and chemicals and is unaffected by winter road safety maintenance. Asphalt pavements can be designed so that water drains through the surface layer of the pavement, thus reducing splash and tire spray, and increasing tire-road contact during wet weather.
Road safety is a major issue for the asphalt contractor; not only when placing the asphalt, but for driving on the surface after placement. Due to the micro-texture of the asphalt, a car tire is able to grip the road more readily and less likely to skid when the brakes are applied. Asphalt roads, known as “the quiet road”, does not contain expansion joints thereby eliminating road noise that can cause a distraction.
