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Your Driving and the Road
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.
m m .
154
c
.
Those two control systems-steering
and acceleration-can overwhelm those
places where the tires meet the road a
make you lose control.
What should you do if this ever
happens? Let up on the brake or
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.
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