I often talk about making sure you can stop within the distance you can see to be clear, but what does that mean? It involves something called the limit point.
The limit point is the furthest point you can see and have a clear view of the road. On a clear, level and straight road this is the point at which the right and left-hand sides of the road appear to meet.
When you approach a bend, the limit point gets closer. Slow down, because this tells you the bend is tightening – your speed needs to match the shorter distance you can see is clear.
If it the limit point moves away from you, the bend is opening up and you can increase your speed again.
Being at the right speed, and in the right gear before entering the bend, will enable you to maintain your vehicle’s balance through the curve.
As with junctions, you should use ‘IPSGA’ when dealing with a bend:
Information: Look well ahead, and check your mirrors to make sure you know who is behind and to either side of you. Use road signs to know what direction the bend is going in, especially if there’s more than one, and the severity of the bend. If the line markings turn to a solid line you are not allowed to cross it, and it is likely to be a dangerous bend.
Position: to maximise your view around the bend, move towards the left kerb on right hand bends, and the centre line on left hand bends. I wouldn’t advise crossing the centre line to improve your vision – it puts you on the wrong side of the road if somebody else is coming towards you.
Speed: match your speed to the limit point and get it correct well before reaching the bend. Accelerate smoothly out to balance the car through the corner.
Gears: same with your gears. If you go into the bend in too high a gear, you’ll struggle to keep the car balanced through the turn. Select your gear after you have got your speed right.
Acceleration: as you turn into the bend and the car settles, use the accelerator gently – just enough to keep your speed steady, but not to speed up. You can increase the pressure as you come out of the bend to drive away smoothly.
Practice this technique on your country drives this summer, and before you go check out drivingadvice.org.uk, for traffic updates, weather forecasts, and driving tips, including: driving abroad, cycling, coping with Olympic congestion, and loading the car for a long journey.
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