[cc2k]

Can someone do a quick calculation and determine the lateral acceleration generated generated by a 20 mph right turn around the corner? I think it would help people understand the absurdity of this claim.

It depends on the radius of the curve. The signs on sharp curves are generally posted to keep you under 0.25g. So, the 0.3g figure is not much higher than following the speeds posted on the signs exactly. Most people when driving will feel comfortable taking a corner at 0.4g to 0.5g. Most SUV's can generate 0.6g to 0.8g of cornering force. Automobiles generally can attain 0.7g to 0.9g, with the best sports cars capable of 1.0g or a little more on street tires.

[justlurking]

It depends on the radius of the curve. The signs on sharp curves are generally posted to keep you under 0.25g. So, the 0.3g figure is not much higher than following the speeds posted on the signs exactly. Most people when driving will feel comfortable taking a corner at 0.4g to 0.5g. Most SUV's can generate 0.6g to 0.8g of cornering force. Automobiles generally can attain 0.7g to 0.9g, with the best sports cars capable of 1.0g or a little more on street tires.

Thanks, I knew that .3g laterally was within the capability of most cars. But, I was looking for an example. I chose the "right turn around a corner" as an example of turn most people would recognize.

So, if we presume that we are turning right 90 degrees at an intersection, in a short radius turn (say, 3/4 of a turn of the wheel, not to lock), from right lane to right lane (not fair straying into the center or left lane). What speed would you need to generate a .3g lateral acceleration due to centrifugal force?