You are driving towards this left-hand bend. What dangers should you be aware of?

Related Information

The first thing you should consider when coming up to a bend is how sharp the bend is. If you do this incorrectly, your car may start to skid and you may lose control. Always keep in mind the golden rule: You must be able to stop on your side of the road, as far as you can see, to be clear. You need to be aware of your surroundings in order to properly evaluate these points. Watch for road signs and markings that indicate the direction of the bend as you get closer to it. If there are no such markings or signs, then pay attention to how the line of trees, hedgerow, buildings or street lights that line the road flow. This can help you determine the bend's sharpness accurately. Sometimes, you might notice skid marks on the road. These can be a sign that a recent driver misjudged the bend and had to slam on the brakes to maintain control. It is wise to check your mirrors as you approach a bend. If the bend is right-handed, you can move left toward the curb to improve your view of the road ahead. Avoid being tempted to go right to the center of the road if the bend is left-handed in order to improve your view. A huge car may be approaching from the opposite direction and squeezing into your lane.

If you have decided to slow down and need to change gear, do it before the bend is in front of you. Changing gear when cornering requires taking a hand off the wheel, which can be risky. Turn the steering wheel gradually and smoothly as you approach the bend. Gently press the accelerator and power until you reach the necessary speed as you start to come out of the bend. The limit point analysis method is another way to take a bend. The bend's limit point is where the right and left hand sides converge. This point will be the bend's farthest point that you can see. When employing this technique, be certain that you have enough time to stop if necessary before you hit the limit. If the limit point is getting further away and you can see further ahead, your speed is fine. If it gets closer, you should keep slowing down to the limit point and your view will be clear again.