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How to Drive Through Sharp Turns

There are two things to consider when negotiating a sharp turn. The speed at which you can safely execute it and the path you should employ entering into, in the middle of, and exiting out of it. There are certain procedures to observe as you approach a corner and following them can help you execute it safely and confidently.

The path you choose to follow through a sharp turn should always be the same. It is the same path used by race car drivers for maximum safety and efficiency. It is the outside-inside-outside path. If you approach a left turn the left side of the road is considered the inside of the corner while the right side of the road would be considered the outside of the turn, and vice versa. Here is an explanation of the outside-inside-outside path.

When approaching a turn, maneuver your car toward the outside of your lane and slowly turn into the corner sharp enough to position yourself toward the inside of your lane by the time you are half way through the turn. Next, ease out of the corner so that your car moves again toward the outside of your lane as you exit the turn. (The term "lane" as used here means whatever part of the road is legal and safe for you to use.) This is the outside-inside-outside path.

Here is an example. Suppose you wish to execute a sharp right turn. As you approach the turn, hug the left side (outside) of your lane. Slowly drift away from the left side as you proceed along so that by the time you are at the center of the corner you are hugging the right side (inside) of your lane. Now drift away from the right side so that by the time you exit the turn you are once again hugging the left most part (outside) of your lane. This path dissipates the least amount of energy, saves gas, and is the safest way through a corner.

While your path trough a corner should always remain the same, the speed at which you execute it depends on many variables. Race car drivers take corners as fast as possible so as to win the race, but we've all seen the dreadful results when they push too far. Under normal driving circumstances, I recommend taking any given corner at a speed well within your driving and your car's capabilities. This allows you to misjudge the condition of the turn and still execute it safely.

Some of the variables to consider when determining the correct speed to proceed through a corner are, the condition of the road surface, the sharpness of the turn, your knowledge of this particular stretch of road, the cornering capability of your vehicle (especially the tires), oncoming traffic, and your own driving ability. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution. If you drive too slowly, at worst you might irritate the driver behind you. Drive too fast however, and the consequences could be much more severe.

If you must brake to adjust your speed, apply your brakes before you get to the turn. Your tires can only provide a finite amount of grip. If most of the grip is used for braking, there will be little left for cornering. Brake before the turn. Let the vehicle coast through the first half of the corner, then slowly accelerate through the second half as you exit the turn.

Practice the above suggestions and soon you will be able to confidently, efficiently, and safely drive through sharp turns whenever and wherever you encounter them.

Learn more about this author, James Dreamer.
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