The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #102271   Message #2072698
Posted By: Richard Bridge
10-Jun-07 - 04:19 AM
Thread Name: BS: How fast do you drive ?
Subject: RE: BS: How fast do you drive ?
AFAIK the only section of UK motorway where there is deer danger is a bit of the M25 near Oxshott - and I don't think I've EVER seen that bit of the M25 rolling faster than 50.

The physics of friction are not that complex. Between two surfaces there is a thing called "the coefficient of friction". It is the ratio between the normal (vertical) force and the lateral force required to cause the two surfaces to slide. It is (largely) a constant.

So the heavier a vehicle, to more force required to cause it to slide (or to lock up the wheels in braking. Ergo, a truck with brakes in good order should stop as well as a car with the brakes in good order.

Swerve brings in issues of stability. Some high vehicles will roll before they slide, but they have to be pretty high to achieve it. Or badly designed like the Mercedes A class.   Certainly my Series 1b Isuzu Trouper (2.6i, early body shape) would slide before rolling.

There are many circumstances in which 100mph involves no real risk to anyone, and it should not be illegal. There are others (last time I came back from Nottingham) when the visibility and road conditions are poor. It was pissing down. Lil old petrolhead me was doing about 50. Everyone and their dog was charging past at about 70 or so. Unsafe - but in accordance with the speed limit.