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 System”
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.
If you have the Eldorado
ETC,
you may see
the
STABILITY
SYS
ENGAGED
message
on
the Driver
Information Center. See “Stability Engaged Message”
in
the Index.
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.
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