Ten years ago, I purchased as SUV, with “state-of-the-art” all wheel drive, at least according to the sales person, who stated “you will not need snow tires with this baby!” And indeed, the traction was impressive. But after the first snow, I took a corner too fast and slammed into the curb bending the wheel and ruining the tire. Chagrined, I had the wheel repaired and purchased snow tires. On the way home, I marvelled at the improved handling provided by the all-wheel-drive and new snow tires … my speed increased. Then on the same corner as before, I came within centimeters of repeating my earlier folly. The false security offered by the snow tires and the all wheel drive, had induced me to change my driving behaviour and eliminate the benefit of both these safety measures.
Research and teaching in public-policy
