How to Enjoy the Freedom of the Open Road and Still Stay Safe

The sun is up, the sky is clear, and the days are long, so what better way to enjoy it than taking a ride through the country. Obtaining clean air and beautiful views definitely makes for a better excursion than your normal commute. If you are like most drivers you also will want to test your car within the laws on roads that are not filled with traffic.

UK roads in the country are tight, so when a curve comes up there is a phenomenon called the tightening radius bend. This condition is a danger for drivers, and is a leading cause of accidents. When you go around a corner the radius is the same as when you began to turn, so you don’t have to adjust the wheel. On a curve in the country the bends are different, which means you have to adjust the wheel the further you go.

An example of the usual car accident on a curve is when the driver enters the bend at a speed they feel is correct. This speed may be determined by the conditions and the type of curve; however, the bend can tighten further into it, which means the speed is no longer appropriate.

To try and stay on the road, the driver may change the wheel or steering lock, and unfortunately the speed is usually too much. This causes the car to be under steered. The driver may fight this feeling by hitting the brakes, which will worsen the condition. In this situation the vehicle will hit traffic coming down the other lane or it may wind up in a ditch.

The countryside offers another challenge to drivers, especially in the summer. Since the bends can be quite tight it can be difficult to see the changes in the road. In the summer hedges, bushes, or trees can also obscure the curve. A driver can easily be caught by a sudden corner.

In order to avoid becoming another countryside crash statistic you need to use extra visual clues if the bend is obscured, and ensure that all of your braking and gear changes have been done before you enter the corner.

When you cannot view the curve check for telephone poles or light posts, which can signify a change in the road is about to occur. When driving at night using an oncoming cars light beams can work as a guide. You want to enter any bend at a speed you can safely stop with to ensure you do not unbalance your vehicle.

As soon as the bend ends you are able to speed up your vehicle until the next curve. When driving in the country you need to remember there are other dangers for drivers, such as slow moving tractors, livestock, or slippery mud. Always think “what if” to determine the correct speed for a curve.

You can improve the chances of being seen by other road users by switching on your halogen headlight bulbs, even if you are driving during the day. You can now also upgrade them to brighter xenon bulbs like the bulbs found here, as studies have show daytime running car light can significantly reduce the chances of a road traffic collision.