Global Navigation
Main Navigation
Sub-Navigation
Content
The ABC's of Traction - Cornering (Page 6 of 7)
The
outside - inside - outside path implies we enter the curve
towards the outside of the lane, smoothly move toward the inside
at about the halfway point, and then back to the outside as we
exit the curve. The point at which we come closest to the inside
of the curve is called the apex and under normal circumstances
we would use a center apex in a constant radius curve. Traffic
conditions may not always allow us to move to the inside in
which case we may need to slow more before entering the turn..We need to see the whole curve to determine our best path of travel. If our view is obstructed, we need to stay to the outside of the turn to increase how far into the curve we can see. Once we can see the exit and know our path of travel is clear, we can adjust our line to open the curve up and reduce the traction we need to exit.
Another situation in which we
would want to delay moving from an outside (delaying our apex)
would be a decreasing radius turn like a curved exit ramp. As
the turn gets tighter, we want to stay toward the outside until
we see the exit of the curve and then adjust our path of travel
to ease our traction requirements.
An "S" curve, a right hander - lefthander or lefthander - right hander combination, changes our cornering line as well. If we use our normal outside - inside - outside path on the first curve, we will be out of position for the second one. Delaying our apex will enable us to have a line that better sets us up for entering the second curve.
The main thing is to select a path of travel that is smooth and avoids abrupt changes in the amount of cornering force needed to stay on the road. Good visual control is the most important factor in keeping our turn smooth and flowing.
