Correct me if I'm wrong, but "softer" tires means lower density rubber, and affects mostly the grip of the tire on the road and the wear durability of the tire. Some prefer a "harder" higher density rubber tires for cars because it increases the life of the tire, in exchange for stopping distance and some handeling. (There are even tires out that have dual density, so as the tire wears down, the lower density rubber emerges and the grip on the road increases.) I hope this helps clarify what I think Jim was saying. Why would changing the rubber density of the tire affect the safty, other than changing how the car handles? John