Why high friction surface treatment improves road safety
A High Friction Surface Treatment creates a highly durable wearing surface that offers superior road surface skid resistance compared with untreated pavement. The combination of specialist aggregate and resin systems provides exceptional friction, helping motorists maintain grip in wet conditions and adverse weather.
Research indicates that High Friction Surfacing systems maintain higher measured friction values than untreated road surfaces over their service life. Studies have shown that High Friction Surfacing can reduce overall crashes by approximately 57%, while wet weather skidding accidents may be reduced by as much as 83%.
For local authorities responsible for maintaining the road network, High Friction Surface Treatment is often selected after crash data identifies locations with elevated accident risk. Many councils maintain investigatory levels that determine where surface treatments should be installed to improve safety and reduce injuries.
Where high friction surfacing is commonly used at critical locations
High Friction Surfacing is generally used as a spot treatment at critical locations where additional pavement friction is required.
Typical locations include road junctions, intersections, pedestrian crossings, school zones, cycle routes, bus lanes, car parks, loading bays, distribution centres, industrial facilities, approaches to traffic lights, highway exit ramps and horizontal curves.
These areas are often exposed to higher braking forces, sudden speed changes and increased traffic volumes. High Friction Surfacing helps drivers maintain control while improving safety for all road users.
Locations with a history of crashes are frequently prioritised for installation, particularly where roadway geometry increases the risk of skidding or loss of control.
High friction surfacing for pedestrian crossings and vulnerable road users
Pedestrian crossings remain one of the most common applications for High Friction Surfacing. HFS is installed at pedestrian crossings to help vehicles stop more effectively and protect vulnerable road users.
By improving grip between tires and the road surface, High Friction Surfacing can reduce braking distances and improve driver response times. This becomes particularly important in wet conditions, where standard asphalt may lose friction and increase stopping distances.
Research continues to show that improving road surface skid resistance near pedestrian crossings contributes directly to improving safety and reducing collisions involving pedestrians.
High friction surface treatment on horizontal curves and intersections
Horizontal curves and intersections experience some of the highest demands on pavement friction. Vehicles travelling through curves are subjected to lateral forces that can increase the likelihood of skidding, particularly during adverse weather.
High Friction Surface Treatment helps combat these forces by providing enhanced surface texture and friction. HFS prevents vehicles from sliding at sharp curves and bends while helping maintain steering control.
Studies have shown that High Friction Surface Treatment can reduce fatal and injury crashes by 48 percent on horizontal curves and by 76 percent at intersections. These results demonstrate why many authorities continue to prioritise friction surfacing at these critical locations.
Improving road surface skid resistance through enhanced grip
One of the primary benefits of High Friction Surfacing is the improvement in road surface skid resistance. The textured aggregate layer increases contact between tires and the surface, helping vehicles maintain stability during braking, acceleration and cornering.
Standard asphalt surfaces can become polished through wear and traffic exposure, reducing available friction over time. High Friction Surfacing uses aggregates that resist polishing and abrasion, helping maintain micro texture and macro texture for longer periods.
This improved grip provides motorists with greater confidence while contributing to improved road safety across the wider road network.
Reducing braking distance and preventing skidding
Reducing braking distance is one of the most important benefits associated with High Friction Surfacing. By increasing friction between tires and the roadway, vehicles can stop more quickly in emergency situations.
This is especially valuable near pedestrian crossings, traffic signals, intersections and other critical locations where sudden braking is common. High Friction Surfacing is proven to reduce accidents and save lives by decreasing braking distances and reducing skidding incidents.
HFS helps improve vehicle performance during emergency braking events, reducing the risk of rear-end collisions and helping drivers maintain control under challenging conditions.
High friction surfacing for heavy traffic and car parks
High Friction Surfacing systems are engineered to withstand heavy traffic, repeated braking forces and continuous vehicle movements. Whether installed on highways, industrial facilities, logistics centres or car parks, the system is designed to maintain performance under demanding conditions.
Many commercial operators select High Friction Surface Treatment because it offers a durable solution capable of resisting wear while maintaining friction levels throughout its service life.
In high-use locations, HFS typically lasts between 7 and 10 years, making it a cost-effective option for long-term road safety improvements.
High friction surface treatment performance in adverse weather
Adverse weather can significantly affect road safety. Rain, frost and low temperatures often reduce available friction and increase the risk of skidding.
High Friction Surface Treatment improves pavement friction during wet conditions by creating a textured surface that disperses water and maintains tyre contact with the roadway. Research has shown that High Friction Surfacing can reduce wet-weather skidding accidents by more than 50 percent.
The ability to maintain grip during adverse weather is one reason why High Friction Surfacing remains widely used at accident-prone locations throughout the UK.
High friction surfacing for commercial and industrial sites
Commercial premises often experience a combination of pedestrian activity, vehicle traffic and heavy equipment movements. Installing High Friction Surfacing can improve safety across loading bays, distribution centres, manufacturing facilities and car parks.
By reducing the risk of slips, skidding and vehicle incidents, businesses can improve site safety while supporting health and safety objectives. The durability of friction surfacing systems also helps minimise maintenance requirements over time.
Choosing the right high friction surfacing system
Selecting the right High Friction Surfacing system depends on traffic levels, roadway conditions, expected service life and installation requirements.
The choice of aggregate is particularly important. High Friction Surfacing commonly utilises calcined bauxite aggregate due to its extreme hardness, high polished stone value and resistance to polishing. The aggregate must maintain angularity under traffic stress to deliver long-term skid resistance.
Olivine is also recognised as a highly effective aggregate because of its natural hardness and ability to maintain surface roughness under heavy traffic.
Other considerations include resin type, substrate condition, traffic speed, wear expectations and exposure to adverse weather.
High friction surface treatment application methods
Several application methods are used depending on project requirements.
Hot applied High Friction Surfacing involves heating a modified thermoplastic resin binder to a high temperature before combining it with calcined bauxite aggregate. The material is then spread across the road surface using a hand-applied road marking shoe.
Cold applied High Friction Surface Treatment systems commonly use epoxy resin or methyl methacrylate resin. The resin is spread across the surface using a squeegee before calcined bauxite aggregate is evenly distributed across the treated area.
Some larger projects use specialist trucks that apply resin to the roadway before automatically spreading aggregate. Smaller installations may use manual application methods that are more labour intensive but remain cost effective.
Many installations can be completed during off peak hours, helping reduce traffic disruption while maintaining productivity.
Surface Treatments That Protect Road Markings and Extend Durability
High Friction Surfacing is designed to withstand traffic, weather and wear while maintaining performance. The durability of the system helps preserve road markings and extend the lifespan of the treated surface.
Because the aggregate resists polishing and abrasion, friction values remain consistently high for longer than standard asphalt surfaces. This contributes to lower maintenance costs and supports long-term road safety objectives.
The combination of durable materials, strong resin binder systems and specialist aggregate creates a reliable solution for critical roadway applications.
Anti slip solutions available from Promain
Promain Paints supplies a range of anti slip products suitable for improving safety across commercial and industrial environments.
These products can complement High Friction Surfacing projects by improving grip on walkways, ramps, access routes and pedestrian areas.
Benefits of high friction surfacing for pedestrians and cyclists
Although High Friction Surfacing is often associated with vehicle safety, pedestrians and cyclists also benefit from increased friction and improved surface texture.
The improved grip can reduce slips and falls while helping cyclists maintain control in wet conditions. This makes High Friction Surfacing suitable for shared access routes, cycle lanes and busy pedestrian environments.
Supporting safety compliance and improving safety outcomes
Maintaining safe surfaces forms an important part of modern safety management. High Friction Surface Treatment helps reduce hazards associated with skidding, low friction and poor road surface conditions.
Authorities frequently use crash data, measured friction values and roadway assessments to identify locations where High Friction Surfacing can deliver the greatest reduction in accidents and injuries.
Transit New Zealand and other international organisations have published findings supporting the use of friction surfacing systems where increased skid resistance is required.
Long term cost savings through high friction surfacing
Investing in High Friction Surfacing can generate long-term savings by reducing accidents, lowering maintenance requirements and extending pavement performance.
Because HFS helps reduce crashes, protects road users and improves durability, many authorities consider it one of the most cost-effective surface treatments available for high-risk locations.
The reduction in total crashes, injuries and roadway maintenance can provide substantial value throughout the service life of the installation.
Professional installation and surface preparation matters
The effectiveness of High Friction Surfacing depends heavily on preparation and installation quality.
Substrates must be clean, sound and free from contamination before application begins. Proper preparation improves resin adhesion, enhances durability and helps maximise long-term performance.
Selecting suitable materials, aggregate systems and installation methods is critical to achieving reliable results.
Colour options and visibility benefits for road safety
Many High Friction Surfacing systems are available in highly visible colours including red, green and buff.
These colours can highlight hazards, define lane layouts, improve awareness at junctions and reinforce road safety measures. Enhanced visibility often complements improved friction, creating a safer environment for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.
High friction surfacing suitable for new and existing surfaces
High Friction Surfacing can be applied to both newly constructed and existing asphalt or concrete surfaces.
This flexibility allows authorities and businesses to improve road surface skid resistance without the expense of complete reconstruction. Proper preparation remains essential to maximise performance and durability.
Why buy high friction surfacing products from promain?
Promain Paints has supplied specialist coatings, anti slip systems and surface treatments for many years.
Our team understands the requirements of commercial, industrial and infrastructure projects and can recommend suitable products based on traffic levels, substrate type, durability expectations and safety requirements.
Customers choose Promain for technical expertise, quality products, competitive pricing, industry experience, customer support and fast UK delivery.
Expert advice for your high friction surface treatment project
Every High Friction Surface Treatment project requires careful consideration of traffic, friction demands, substrate condition and long-term performance expectations.
Our experienced team can help identify the most suitable solution for your application, whether the project involves highways, car parks, industrial facilities, pedestrian crossings or other critical locations.
We are always happy to provide technical guidance before purchase.
Contact Promain Pints today for high friction surfacing solutions
If you are looking for a reliable High Friction Surfacing solution for roads, highways, car parks, industrial facilities or pedestrian areas, speak with the team at Promain Paints today.
We can help you select the right products, provide technical advice and support a successful installation that delivers long-term skid resistance, durability and road safety benefits. Browse our anti slip range or contact us to discuss your project requirements.