The Solomon curve

[Genecks]

So, something I've been doing lately is reviewing driver safety. I got my license in 2008, and I have reviewed driver safety the past few months. I think I'm a much better driver than in 2008, but I've been reviewing skills to prevent myself from ever getting into an accident. One of the mathematical models that I came across lately in driver safety is the Solomon curve. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solomon_curve

 

It's a mathematical model describing the relationship between speed between drivers and the probability of getting into an accident.

 

What I don't understand about the curve, and perhaps some mathematician here could do research and give me insight, because I haven't been able to find the answer, is whether or not the speed that is most likely to reduce the possibility of an accident is a speed that is obtained from trying to match the speed of cars in all lanes (including lanes with vehicles going on the opposite direction). As an U.S.A. driver, if I'm staying out of the "slow," turn lane (the right lane), then I'm going to be in the left lane. One of the things I've been wondering is if I should attempt to match the speed of the vehicle in the lanes going the direction I'm going or if I ought to match the speed of the vehicles in all lanes (including opposite lanes).

 

I think the most interesting thing I got out of this is that breaking the law is worthwhile in an attempt to go as fast as the vehicles around you in order to survive (at least, from an probabilistic view). It would be great if vehicles went darn near close to the speed limit; but it does not appear reasonable to do such when taking the solomon curve into consideration and vehicles are deviated from the speed limit.

Edited April 2, 2014 by Genecks

[mathematic]

Practical answer - try to keep pace with the cars in your lane. Ignore cars going in the opposite direction. When you have more than one lane in your direction, try to stay in the lane where you find you are more comfortable with the speed.