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LOW RISK DRIVING |
Road Safety PLUS - by Dieter R. Fischer ISBN No. 0 09577 426 0 6 |
| 4. DANGER on country roads |
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|
LOW RISK DRIVING |
Road Safety PLUS - by Dieter R. Fischer ISBN No. 0 09577 426 0 6 |
| 4. DANGER on country roads |
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:
Five steps of safe cornering:
- 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?
- Recognize the corner and look for advisory speed signs.
- Position the car for maximum visibility (see pic. below)
- Brake in a straight line, where possible. Many drivers crash, because they misjudge the corner and brake too late, too hard. This increases centrifugal pressure, forcing the car off course.
- 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).
- 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 and accelerate with a softer touch.
Approach to a blind bend: This vehicle is approaching wide, toward the right, to gain a better view around the left-hand bend. This allows the driver greater visibility around the bend.
For a right-hand bend the approach must be from the far left of the road.
Approach for open bend: The left corner line --- --- --- shows the correct approach, if the corner is open, e.g. clear view ahead. The aim is better stability, saving wear and tear on the vehicle and giving passengers a smoother ride.
Never assume it is clear around the bend!
Disclaimer: Above information is for Australian learner drivers. Regulations could vary in your part of the world. We take no responsibility for any accidents, failed driving tests, even if the advise in this book has been followed. We recommend to use above information in conjunction with a professional driving instructor.
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