Before entering a curve, what should a driver do?

Before entering a curve, shifting down to the appropriate gear is essential for maintaining better control of the vehicle. When approaching a curve, reducing speed and selecting a lower gear allows the driver to manage the vehicle's power and traction more effectively. This helps in navigating the curve smoothly and can prevent skidding or losing control, especially if the curve is sharp or the road is slippery.

By shifting down, the engine can match the speed of the vehicle, providing optimal torque and enabling smoother acceleration out of the curve. This gear change allows for greater responsiveness and helps in handling the vehicle’s weight distribution as it leans during the turn. In contrast, speeding up or maintaining the same speed might risk losing traction, while turning sharply could lead to losing control of the vehicle. Proper gear selection is, therefore, a critical aspect of safe driving through curves.