News RURAL ROADS ARE BIGGEST KILLERS
In the fourth of our occasional series of short articles on driving and road safety Ken Wilson, from Pollington, explains the dangers of driving on out country's rural roads.
Unless we are directly affected it goes almost unnoticed but the average day in Britain claims the lives of nine people. Six of them will lose their lives on country roads! The sad thing is, up to one-third of these deaths are young people in that vulnerable group between 17 and 25 years old. These are the latest statistics produced by the IAM Motoring Trust; a full report can be found at www.iamtrust.org.uk
After reading this disturbing report I feel there is a responsibility for people like myself to do something about it. As a result, over the next few weeks I will be discussing the subject of cornering.
I know that many young people like to go to places like Alton Towers, where the main attractions are the exciting rides. Some of these rides generate considerable forces on the body and a tremendous rush of adrenalin which makes us feel good. However, in relation to driving, the more we reduce the forces and that feeling of excitement, the safer we will be.
A vehicle is at its most stable when driven in a straight line with the engine just pulling at a constant speed. When a vehicle is turned into a corner we immediately introduce a sideways force. The faster we travel and the more steering we apply the greater the forces. If the forces are allowed to become greater than the grip of the tyres, then the tyres will start to slip sideways. This is commonly known as understeer and the resultant force that takes you off the road. I'm sure you have all seen the holes in fences, hedges, damage to trees and lamp posts just beyond the apex of bends. These are usually caused by the effects of understeer. The consequences of colliding with a wooden fence at an angle are that the railings will pierce the car like a tin opener and may also pierce you. the driver.
In order to avoid this we need to set the car up for the bend in good time:
* Adopt the correct position for the bend in good time: eg right-hand bends to the left-hand side, right-hand bends up to the centre line.
* Make the car travel at the correct speed for the severity of the bend.
* Engage an appropriate and responsive gear for the chosen speed.
* Maintain a constant speed around the bend by slight acceleration.
* Avoid any harsh acceleration, heavy braking or sudden steering movements.
By following the above recommendations, the car will become more balanced and stable as it negotiates the bend.
I end the week with a quote from the old Roadcraft Police Driving handbook: 'Lose your speed or lose your car!' A car can be replaced, but you can't!
Next time I will discuss ways of assessing a bend and choosing the correct speed.
Anyone who wishes to develop their cornering technique can contact me on 07732 732400.
Published on 20th December 2007 in News.
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