Gender-based risk analysis of vehicle control loss due to localized water puddles: An analytical approach

Adverse weather conditions significantly increase the risk of traffic accidents, yet most studies focus on uniform conditions across all tires. This study investigates the impact of asymmetric drag forces when only one tire encounters a local water puddle, causing potential vehicle control loss. Using analytical methods, we calculate drag forces and their transmission to the steering wheel, accounting for variations in water film thickness, vehicle speed, and driver gender. The results indicate that female drivers face higher risks of control loss, with critical speeds decreasing as water film thickness increases. The study highlights that localized water puddles, especially at low speeds and water depths exceeding 3 cm, pose significant risks. These findings can inform road safety guidelines and vehicle design standards to mitigate accident risks in adverse weather conditions.