D.29   THE SKILL OF DRIVING AROUND A BEND

Young drivers living in the capital cities pass the driving test amongst busy traffic. When it comes to driving in the country and negotiating corners at higher speeds, inexperience all too often proves fatal.

Blind bends and crests hold one big danger, you can’t see beyond. Never assume it is clear around a bend. Consider these hazards:

 

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?

Are there hidden driveways or road junctions?

 

    The 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: (Note: Changing gear etc is covered in Chapter 5).	...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, 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). 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 to accelerate, which must be done gently