Cornering Skills for New Drivers

According to driving safety training experts, the technique of cornering depends a lot on the type of vehicle; low-chassis vehicles (sedans, sports cars, hatchbacks, etc.) are often easier to corner than high-chassis vehicles (SUVs, CUVs, light passenger cars, etc.). However, with any type of vehicle, the driver must follow some general rules when driving through a corner.

Driving position

Adjust the seat higher than when driving on a straight road, if the road has many continuous curves.

Focus on observation

Before entering a curve, you should pay attention and observe, not only to determine the shape of the curve ahead but also to know the length of the curve, the road conditions and the traffic density in front and behind your car.

Cover both sides of the front diagonal corner, avoid A-corner obstructions that block the view when entering or exiting a corner. At the same time, constantly observe the rearview mirror to ensure a safe distance from the vehicle behind.

Reduce your cornering speed safely before turning.

This is a mistake that most new drivers make. Many drivers are subjective and do not brake when entering a corner or only brake when entering a corner. Braking when entering a corner is only applied to racers to save time cutting corners, but it is not recommended for drivers operating on the road.

When the vehicle is about to enter a curve, the driver should proactively brake and reduce speed to a safe speed in advance, so that the curve is not surprised by the speed of the vehicle.

Cornering

When the driver has slowed down to a safe speed, then turn the steering wheel and take the car through the turn. The driver should note that he should not turn the steering wheel many times, the driver should estimate the curve of the door to turn the steering wheel once and keep the steering wheel angle fixed until exiting the turn.

Unless the corner is too long or the initial steering is too small, the driver can move the car around to get the car on the right track. When the driver takes the steering wheel once, the moving car will create balance, in case of taking the steering wheel too much, the driver will fall into a situation where the car spins sideways or runs straight to the curb.

Escape the crab

This is the final step after the car moves in the curve, many drivers subjectively think it is simple, but it requires the driver to be smooth so as not to create inertial jerks that cause the people in the car to sway.

This is also a reason why drivers should only turn the steering wheel once when entering a corner, when the wheel is almost in a straight position at the end of the corner, so the car body will turn smoothly and gently.

If the driver steers too much, the driver will have to turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction when the turn ends and the car will suddenly change direction, at this time the person sitting in the car will feel the car swaying from one side to the other.