- - - - - COMPLETE DRIVING TUTORIAL - - - - -

29. SAFELY NEGOTIATING BENDS 

 

Newly licensed drivers in the big cities had had their driver training mostly in traffic. They had much experience negotiating traffic lights, changing lanes etc. When for the first time they are driving in the country, at higher speeds, problems may arise, which they had never encountered before. One of these are blind bends and hills. They hold one big danger - you can’t see what lay beyond. 

Never assume it is clear around a bend or over the crest of a hill. Unexpected hazards could be waiting just around the corner. Consider:

Could a tree or rock have fallen after rain?

Has traffic stopped because of road works or for another reason?

Is there a broken-down vehicle or an animal blocking the road?

Are there hidden driveways or road junctions?

Here are five steps for safe cornering:

1. Recognize the corner.

Look for advisory speed signs.

2. Position the vehicle...

...in order to gain the best view of the corner, and possible hazards ahead. (See diagram below).

3. Brake in a straight line... 

(Consider changing gear, as explained in Section 4). 

...where possible. Many drivers crash, because they misjudge the corner and brake in the corner! If done too harshly, due to increased centrifugal pressure, it may force the vehicle off the road or into oncoming traffic, with serious consequences.

4.Read the corner.

Look around the bend as far as possible. Assess the shape of the corner and the camber of the road (the tilting towards one side, see Ch.41). Never assume the road is clear ahead!

5. Gently accelerate out of the corner. 

On a dry road accelerating out of a bend gives the tyres increased adhesion. In the wet wait until after the corner, then accelerate gently to normal speed.
 
<<< Approach to a blind corner (Left-hand bend):

The driver takes the wide approach - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

 

This results in better visibility around the bend, just in case any obstacle is blocking the road. 

 

If visibility were clear (open Corner) this line _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

would be the correct line to drive through the bend. It gives the vehicle more stability! 

For a right-hand bend the principle is the same. Obviously, the approach to a blind right-hand must be from the far left of the road, to gain the best possible view through the bend. Otherwise move toward the centre early to give the vehicle stability.

This way of cornering saves wear and tear on the vehicle and gives passengers a smoother ride.

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Our information could vary in your part of the world. We recommend you use above information in conjunction with a professional driving instructor.

Road Safety by Dieter Fischer - Learner Driver Hub 2020.