Conducting Bank Indicator Test Runs

The curve should be driven at the calculated speed described previously on the initial run. If the calculated speed is not available, the curve should be driven at an estimated speed approximately 5 miles per hour slower than that which the driver feels they can maintain throughout the entire length of the curve.
Each succeeding run should be made at a speed 5 miles per hour greater than the preceding run until the bank indicator reading reaches:
  • 10 degrees for speeds of 35 mph or more
  • 12 degrees for speeds of 25 and 30 mph
  • 14 degrees for speeds of 20 mph or less.
On each test run, the driver should reach the test run speed at a distance of at least 0.25 mile from the beginning of the curve and maintain this speed throughout the entire length of the curve. The path of the car throughout the curve should be maintained as nearly as possible in the center of the right hand lane.
Test runs should be made in each direction on each curve.
On each of the speeds of the test runs, the observer must carefully note the position of the ball throughout the length of the curve and record the maximum deflection in degrees. The readings should be interpolated as closely as possible to the nearest degree.