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. Unless you have traction control
and the system is on, adding the sudden acceleration can
demand too much of those places. You
can
lose control.
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.
Steering in Emergencies
There are times when steering can be more effective
than braking. For example, you come over a
hill
and
find a truck stopped in your lane,
or
a car suddenly pulls
out from nowhere, or a child darts out from between
parked cars and stops right in front
of
you. You can
avoid these problems by braking
--
if you can stop in
time. But sometimes you can’t; there isn’t room. That’s
the time for evasive action
--
steering around the
problem.
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