In harsh winter conditions, Nordic drivers are still permitted to use studded winter tyres. Drawbacks of studded tyres are obvious. Drivers seem to prefer using studded tyres. A study has been made into driver attitudes to giving up studded tyres. 120 drivers were matched into two equal groups; one drove on studded and the other on studless winter tyres. The variables measured were: 1. speed by quality of road surface, 2. speed approaching an intersection, 3. speed when negotiating a curve, 4. speed on a straight section, 5. speed during deceleration, 6. speed behaviour by tyre type, age and driving experience, as well as use of brakes and headways. 75% of drivers regarded studded tyres as necessary while 15% thought studs were no use. When asked if they would choose studless tyres if able to buy them 50% cheaper, over 60% would still use studded tyres. Results suggest that giving up studded tyres did not change travel patterns. Drivers compensated for lack of studs by driving 2-4 km/h more slowly, maintaining longer headways. Results apply to present winter maintenance policy which heavily relies on salting.
Abstract