Low - Risk Driving  a skill for LIFE 

- - - - - - - - - - Road Safety by Dieter Fischer - - - - - - - - - - ISBN No. 0 09577 426 06   

   Your  SAFETY  is  Driving

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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

Correct approach to a bend

 Approach to a blind corner (left-hand bend):

The driver takes the wide approach - - - - -  to gain a better view around the bend. This results in better visibility around the bend than _ _ _ _ 

...which would be the correct approach for an open corner. 

When there is a clear view through the bend, drivers must turn earlier into the corner, for better stability. This saves wear and tear on the vehicle and  gives passengers a smoother ride. It allows for a slightly higher speed than a blind bend.

For a right-hand bend the principle is the same. Obviously, the approach to a blind bend, must be from the far right of the road, to gain the best possible view into the bend.

For information what to do in a skid click here

HEALTH WARNING - fast into a bend

could spell instant death !
Disclaimer: Above information could vary in your part of the world. We take no responsibility for any accidents or failed driving tests, even if the advise in this book has been followed. We recommend you use above information in conjunction with a professional driving instructor. Site copyright ©driving-school.com.au  2001 / Revised June 2010

Here is a little test to remember what you have learned. Firstly, answer the True / False question. Secondly, using the letter beside the correct answer, form a word. All answers are on this page

  T>    T

 For a left hand bend I approach as close to the left as possible.   F>    R
  T>    O Motorists should never assume it's all clear round the bend.     F>    H
  T>    A Braking should be done before a corner, on a straight section of road.  F>    I
  T>    D Gentle acceleration is OK as I drive out of a corner.   F>    S

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