How Do I Drive Safely Around a Curve?

A curve in the road can be extremely dangerous.

In 2008, there were 34,017 fatal car accidents in the United States alone. As you wind through a mountain pass, appreciating the scenery and approaching an upcoming curve, you probably will not think about this statistic or the dangers that lie ahead, but remember that curving roads can be extremely dangerous.

Instructions

Safely Driving Around a Curve

1. 

   Always obey the posted speed limit.

   Put on the brakes before you reach the curve. Decide how fast you should take the curve by looking for posted speed limit signs. If no speed limit is posted, use your best judgment. If you cannot see around the curve, make sure you proceed slowly enough to stop easily.

2. 

   Stay in your lane to avoid accidents.

   Focus on staying in your lane as you round the curve. Achieve this by looking as far around the curve as possible. When you round a curve in the outer lane, do not try to hug the curve closer; when driving in the inner lane of the curve, take care not to drift into the outer lane.

3. Begin to accelerate out of the curve when you reach the half-way point.

4. 

   Straighten the wheel as you come out of the curve.

   Straighten out the steering wheel and continue to increase your speed back up to the originally posted speed limit for the road.

Tips & Warnings

• If there is no visibility or minimal visibility around a curve, turn on your headlights to enable drivers coming from the other direction to see that you are approaching.

• If you own a manual transmission car, for better control, do not shift while rounding a curve.

• To avoid accidents, always stay in your own lane and never attempt to pass another car while rounding a curve.

• In a blind curve, you cannot know what lies around the curve. Proceed with caution at all times.

References

• Canada's Driving School Directory: Driver Education - Curve
• California Driver's Handbook: Driving in Hill Country
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: Fatality Analysis Reporting System Encyclopedia