This month I had to buy a new windshield because of a rock. I paid my $200 deductible. Yesterday I was traveling on the highway and got another rock, this one is just a chip and cost me another $40. The sand on the road looks to me as 3/4 inch minus gravel which, in my opinion, is a way too coarse. It also can become a safety hazard.
These rocks coming from tire treads if they hit a person walking along the road could cause an injury.
Having worked at an airport for 24 years we used 3/8 inch crushed rock in our ground roadside sand.
There have been studies on the friction generated when you step on your brake pedal. Even beach sand provided friction in stopping the vehicle.
We used a special sand which is 3/16 inch fractured rock. Since the process is more complicated the costs would be prohibitive.
ICBC should be very concerned about costs of replacing windshields or paying out on an injury claim caused by the bigger aggregate.
I think the department of highways should demand that road sand be no bigger than 3/8 inch. This reduction in size could save ICBC millions.
Stan New
Prince George
