Time-saving bias refers to the tendency of individuals to inaccurately estimate time savings or losses when adjusting their speed of travel. Typically, people underestimate the potential time saved when increasing speed from a low rate and overestimate time saved when increasing from a higher speed. This bias also affects their understanding of time lost when reducing speed, leading them to miscalculate implications on their journey duration.
In a study, participants judged plans for road improvements and preferred a higher-speed plan from 70 to 110 km/h (43 to 68 mph) over a plan from 30 to 40 km/h (19 to 25 mph), despite the latter saving more time.
To overcome time-saving bias, individuals can rely on mathematical calculations rather than intuition when estimating time savings or losses associated with speed changes, ensuring they consider distance and speed effects more accurately.