4-11Steering TipsDriving on CurvesIt’s important to take curves at a reasonable speed.A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned onthe news happen on curves. Here’s why:Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject tothe same laws of physics when driving on curves. Thetraction of the tires against the road surface makes itpossible for the vehicle to change its path when you turnthe front wheels. If there’s no traction, inertia will keepthe vehicle going in the same direction. If you’ve evertried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you’ll understand this.The traction you can get in a curve depends on thecondition of your tires and the road surface, the angle atwhich the curve is banked, and your speed. While you’rein a curve, speed is the one factor you can control.Suppose you’re steering through a sharp curve.Then you suddenly accelerate. Both controlsystems -- steering and acceleration -- have to dotheir work where the tires meet the road. Adding thesudden acceleration can demand too much of thoseplaces. You can lose control. Refer to “Traction ControlSystem” in the Index.What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up on theaccelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you want itto go, and slow down.Speed limit signs near curves warn that you shouldadjust your speed. Of course, the posted speeds arebased on good weather and road conditions. Under lessfavorable conditions you’ll want to go slower.If you need to reduce your speed as you approach acurve, do it before you enter the curve, while your frontwheels are straight ahead.Try to adjust your speed so you can “drive” through thecurve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait toaccelerate until you are out of the curve, and thenaccelerate gently into the straightaway.Steering in EmergenciesThere are times when steering can be more effectivethan braking. For example, you come over a hill andfind a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pullsout from nowhere, or a child darts out from betweenparked cars and stops right in front of you. You canavoid these problems by braking -- if you can stop intime. But sometimes you can’t; there isn’t room.That’s the time for evasive action -- steering aroundthe problem.
