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
to!,
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.
Speed limit signs near curves warn that you shou1.d
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 approxh
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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