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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 apply the
brakes. Both control systems
-
steering
i
and braking
-
have to do their work
where the tires meet the road. Adding
the hard braking can demand too much
at those places. You can lose control.
The same thing can happen if you're
steering through a sharp curve and you
suddenly accelerate. Those two control
systems
-
steering and acceleration
-
can overwhelm those places where the
tires meet the road and 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.
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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