The effects of tyre type on driving speed and presumed risk taking

Abstract

The effects of tyre type on drivers choice of speed and implied risk taking were examined in a test-track lane-change manoeuvre, and on rural public roads. In the test-track situation at speeds requiring skill, older, presumably more skilful drivers, drove more quickly than younger drivers when the vehicle was fitted with crossply tyres. No differences were observed with radial ply tyres fitted. Subjective risk was assessed from the difference between mean test-track speeds and drivers' own estimates of the maximum safe speed for the manoeuvre. It was found that younger drivers, while driving more slowly than older drivers in some conditions, still drove with greater subjective risk. The implications of this finding are discussed with reference to the 'constant risk' hypothesis, which states that the benefits of improved safety equipment will be offset by the tendency of drivers to drive faster and so maintain a constant level of subjective risk. The implications for lyre design are also discussed. No spe...