Steering
Tips
Driving
on
Curves
It’s important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A
lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on
the news happen on curves. Here’s why:
Experienced driver or beginner, each
of
us
is
subject
to
the same laws of physics when driving on curves. The
traction of the tires against
the
road surface makes
it
possible for the vehicle to change its path when you turn
the front wheels. If there’s no traction, inertia will keep
the vehicle going in the same direction.
If
you’ve ever
tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you’ll understand this.
The traction you can get
in
a curve depends on the
condition of your tires and
the
road surface, the angle at
which the curve is banked, and your speed. While
you’re in a curve, speed is the one factor you
can control.
Suppose you’re steering through a sharp curve. Then
you suddenly accelerate. Both control systems
--
steering and acceleration
--
have
to
do their work where
the tires meet the road. Adding the sudden acceleration
can demand too much of those places. You can lose
control. Refer to “Traction Control” in the Index.
What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up on the
accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way
you
want it
to go, and slow down.
Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should
adjust your speed.
Of
course, the posted speeds are
based
on
good weather and road conditions. Under less
favorable conditions you’ll want to go slower.
If you need to reduce your speed as you approach a
curve, do it before you enter the curve, while your front
wheels are straight ahead.
Try to adjust your speed
so
you can “drive” through
the
curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to
accelerate until you are out of the curve, and then
accelerate gently into the straightaway.
4-11
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