The nature of the wet-pavement skidding accident problem is briefly discussed. A cursory review of the traffic accident literature is given to highlight the roadway geometric and driver maneuver performance specific nature of the problem. A conceptual methodology to establish cost-effective frictional requirements is presented. This methodology, currently being developed under contract to the Federal Highway Administration, is based upon the calculation of a safety effectiveness measure defined as the distribution of the difference between available tire-pavement friction and the level of driver demand for friction. The models required to relate the safety effectiveness measure to site specific traffic operational characteristics, roadway geometry, and surface characteristics are discussed, and an example is given. Trade-offs between the level of safety, the cost to achieve that level, and the level of service of the highway facility are discussed. A conceptual framework for conducting the trade-off analysis is presented and discussed.