Decades of data confirm grooving's critical role in accident reduction

While technologies and methods evolve, the fundamental principles of roadway safety remain constant. A landmark 1972 California Department of Public Works report, "The Effect of Grooving On Motor Vehicle Accidents," provides foundational data that continues to inform our safety practices today. Its findings are as relevant now as they were decades ago, demonstrating the long-proven effectiveness of pavement grooving.

The data gathered for this report is not from a small, half-mile test section. This was an extensive study that established pavement grooving as one of the most cost-effective safety programs available. The results highlight a significant and lasting impact on driver safety.

Key findings from the report include:

• 70% reduction in wet pavement accidents 

• 50% reduction in fatal accidents 

• 20% reduction in total accidents 

These statistics underscore the vital role safety grooving plays in preventing hydroplaning and maintaining vehicle control, saving lives and reducing injuries—a technique the IGGA is dedicated to advancing through its leadership as a technical and promotional resource for the industry. By working with both public and private sectors, the IGGA has developed quality-oriented specifications and standards and continues to promote and transfer proven technologies, provide regulatory support and share best practices. The National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT), numerous DOT research projects and university test tracks have applied safety grooving and conducted rigorous testing, ultimately confirming its benefits.

While research is often recommended for new textures and pavement treatments, safety grooving is tried and true! It’s fair to say at this point, research projects aren’t nearly as necessary as the rapid application of safety grooving on in-service roadways with tight geometry and multiple wet-weather accidents. States in the Southeast region of the country are even considering ditching the open-graded friction course, which is susceptible to durability concerns and raveling, and deploying dense-graded asphalt with safety grooving instead for mainline paving projects.

Don’t experience paralysis by analysis! Improve roadway safety now by entrusting the IGGA with your most challenging safety concerns! Contact us at https://www.igga.net/contact-us to discuss the data and learn more about the benefits of pavement grooving.