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 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 Stabilitrak, you may see the
STABILITY
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.
4-11
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