Continental is working on a system that could make aquaplaning a thing of the past and our roads much safer.

Aquaplaning is that terrifying situation where a driver loses all control over their steering and braking as the front tyres effectively waterski over the surface a deep puddle or other wet road situation. It is caused by a combination of too much speed, not enough tread depth to clear the water and the amount of water under the tyre. Now Continental is developing a system that would warn the driver of the imminent risk of aquaplaning – and alert others nearby too. It is using cameras and sensors to assess when the situation is becoming dangerous and warn the driver so they can slow down before they lose control. Continental’s Road Condition Observer will also send signals to vehicles nearby equipped to receive them so their drivers can get the alert too. Similar systems are already operating in high end premium cars such as the Audi A8 where a message will be sent via cloud technology to other cars if the traction control is triggered, signifying the possibility of a slippery road. Continental is focusing on predicting and managing the risk of aquaplaning. Using surround view cameras and tyre-mounted eTIS (electronic-Tyre Information System) sensors working together it wants to detect a possible front-wheel floating situation as early as possible to trigger an early warning to the driver. Video images from surround view cameras mounted in the side mirrors, the grill, and rear are analysed. Bernd Hartmann, head of Continental’s Enhanced ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) & Tyre Interaction, said: “When there is a lot of water on the road, the camera images show a specific splash and spray pattern that can be detected as aquaplaning in its early phase. For example, excessive water displacement in all directions underneath the tyre is a characteristic attribute.” Continental’s eTIS sensors, mounted on the tyre’s inner liner, provide more data and the system looks for a specific signal pattern from the accelerometer. For wet roads – when enough water is transported out of the tread to ensure an appropriate grip – the signal shows a distinct pattern. As soon as a wedge of water begins to form in front of the tyre footprint region and there is excessive water on the road, the acceleration signal begins to oscillate in a characteristic way, indicating an early risk of aquaplaning. Since the eTIS sensor can also detect the remaining depth of the tyre tread, a safe speed for a given wet road condition can be calculated and communicated to the driver. Continental says that as well as alerting the driver and others, this predictive technology could be joined with the brakes to trigger a degree of ‘torque vectoring’, selectively applying the brakes on one axle or wheel, to counter any skid. “Wet road conditions are difficult for a car driver to evaluate. Once you feel your vehicle floating, it is too late. Our aquaplaning assistance concepts detect the early aquaplaning phase to make the driver aware of what is going on under the tyres. This can help drivers or automated vehicles to adapt their speed appropriately to wet road conditions. “This is one of the last blank spots on the strategic map towards greater road safety.”