This paper was presented at session 34 - drivers, vehicles and geometrics 1. The acceleration and deceleration performance capabilities of a group of modern passenger cars have been measured in a controlled test situation. Data, taken only in dry conditions, have been compared where possible with those to which some current design standards are related. This comparison has shown a dramatic improvement in both acceleration and deceleration capabilities of modern passenger cars. This improvement in braking capability raises the question of whether drivers are making judgements, concerning their wet weather braking capacity, which could be at variance with those cited in present design standards. Vehicles were divided into low, medium and high acceleration performance categories, and these categories were extrapolated into the newly registered Australian vehicle population of 1975. It was found that a similar number of vehicles had been registered in each category and this was felt to be a particular feature of the local market. The number of the covering abstract of the conference is IRRD No. 239340.
Samenvatting