W.D.M. Limited (WDM), together with Dr. Helen Viner, is hosting an expert-led seminar focused on advancing skid resistance strategy to improve road safety outcomes.
The webinar will take place on Tuesday 21st April, 14:30–15:30 (UK) / 09:30–10:30 (EST), bringing together leading industry specialists to explore how skid resistance can move beyond compliance-led approaches and become a central component of proactive safety management. Through a combination of scientific insight, practical methodology, and international case studies, the session will demonstrate how the LASR (Local Authority Skid Resistance) approach supports more effective decision-making and the delivery of safer, more resilient road networks.
The event features three highly respected speakers with extensive experience across research, policy, and real-world implementation.
Dr Helen Viner, an independent analyst and leading authority on skid resistance, will present on the evolution of local road strategies. Having begun her career at the Transport Research Laboratory in the late 1990s, Dr Viner has played a pivotal role in advancing understanding of friction performance, collision risk, and early-life skid resistance. Her work has contributed to updates to UK standards and European harmonisation efforts. Most recently, she led research into skid resistance on local roads and developed the LASR approach, which enables authorities to achieve improved safety outcomes within constrained budgets.
Mark Stephenson, Director of Consultancy at WDM, will focus on the importance of high-quality data in sustaining effective skid resistance strategies. A Chartered Civil Engineer with over 35 years’ experience, Mark has led numerous asset management initiatives across the UK and internationally. He works closely with Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, supporting the delivery of New Zealand’s skid resistance strategyan approach estimated to have prevented over 700 deaths and serious injuries over 20 years, achieving a benefit-cost ratio of 6.8. His session will cover data collection principles, accreditation, validation, and quality assurance processes, alongside practical insights from Transport Scotland.
Ryland Potter, Vice President at WDM USA, will share international perspectives from the United States. Since joining WDM USA in 2018, Ryland has led the development and delivery of continuous pavement friction evaluation programmes using SCRIM® technology. She will present how the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is applying SCRIM® data alongside Safety Performance Functions to prioritise high-risk locations, optimise treatment strategies, and reduce fatal and serious injury crashes. Ryland also chairs the HFST Council at the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) and contributes to national research through the Transportation Research Board.
The seminar is designed for highway authorities, asset managers, and safety professionals looking to strengthen their approach to skid resistance and better align investment with risk.
By combining robust data collection, advanced analytics, and strategic frameworks, WDM continues to support customers in delivering safer, more efficient, and more resilient road networks. To register for the event, please click the link: Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams
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