Positioning on the road
Discussion
So..... what's the consensus on positioning on the road?
I know this covers a very broad spectrum, but I'm basically just thinking of simple corners and junctions.
Presume (within the confines of your carriageway) you want to position yourself on the opposite side to any upcoming junctions joining your road, for maximum visibility and a bit more space to react if someone does pull out mistakenly.
Likewise, for corners, I presume you'd position yourself towards the outside of the bend (without exposing yourself to oncoming traffic or comprimising on the road surface) for maximum visibility.
What therefore, do you do if there is a junction on the bend? If it's on the inside of the bend there's no problem - you position yourself on the outside of the corner and simultaneously the opposite side of the carriageway to the junction. But if it's on the outside of the bend, going to the outisde to maximise visibility for the corner places you closer to the junction and conversely, a tighter line to avoid the junction reduces your visibility round the corner.
I know this covers a very broad spectrum, but I'm basically just thinking of simple corners and junctions.
Presume (within the confines of your carriageway) you want to position yourself on the opposite side to any upcoming junctions joining your road, for maximum visibility and a bit more space to react if someone does pull out mistakenly.
Likewise, for corners, I presume you'd position yourself towards the outside of the bend (without exposing yourself to oncoming traffic or comprimising on the road surface) for maximum visibility.
What therefore, do you do if there is a junction on the bend? If it's on the inside of the bend there's no problem - you position yourself on the outside of the corner and simultaneously the opposite side of the carriageway to the junction. But if it's on the outside of the bend, going to the outisde to maximise visibility for the corner places you closer to the junction and conversely, a tighter line to avoid the junction reduces your visibility round the corner.
Chris71 said:
What therefore, do you do if there is a junction on the bend?
If it's on the inside of the bend there's no problem - you position yourself on the outside of the corner and simultaneously the opposite side of the carriageway to the junction. But if it's on the outside of the bend, going to the outisde to maximise visibility for the corner places you closer to the junction and conversely, a tighter line to avoid the junction reduces your visibility round the corner.
I'll slow right down and hug the inside of the bend to open the viewing angle into the junction on the basis that it's pretty unlikely that there will be anything coming towards me on my side of the road but quite likely that something will turn towards me out of the junction. Dunno if that's the right thing to do though.If it's on the inside of the bend there's no problem - you position yourself on the outside of the corner and simultaneously the opposite side of the carriageway to the junction. But if it's on the outside of the bend, going to the outisde to maximise visibility for the corner places you closer to the junction and conversely, a tighter line to avoid the junction reduces your visibility round the corner.
I drive around/past one of these junctions every day (a right hand bend in this case), and the simple answer is... you can see what is coming from from the road to the left, they can see you. You should position toward the nearside for getting a view around the bend. The traffic from the side road will probably have a give way/stop line, but just watch the oncoming traffic to see if they're slowing, before comitting to the bend. And at such a speed that you can stop, should they decide to pull out on you. Making eye contact to see where they are looking is a good idea too.
Hope this helps.
Ian
Hope this helps.
Ian
I hesitate to provide a rule as such (driving being a subject where there's a thin strip of black at one end, a thin strip of white at the other, and a large wodge of grey in the middle) but I would consider the following, in order of priority, when deciding on position:
Safety: what position is likely to be the safest, when all factors are considered?
Stability and grip: which piece of road gives me the most predictable and best grip levels?
Information (Vision): where could I position to enhance my forward vision?
Reduction of cornering forces: which line will minimise the lateral grip requirement?
You would not sacrifice one of the higher items for an item lower down in the list. For example, on a blind, tight left hand bend, visibility would be enhanced by being further offside. However, this conflicts with Safety, which, in circumstances where you wouldn't have time to avoid an oncomer, suggests strongly that a more nearside position is desirable.
Ultimately, plenty of the right kind of practice, with suitable input from a knowledgeable and experienced coach is the best way of acquiring the "knack" of choosing the optimum position.
regards
Nick
Safety: what position is likely to be the safest, when all factors are considered?
Stability and grip: which piece of road gives me the most predictable and best grip levels?
Information (Vision): where could I position to enhance my forward vision?
Reduction of cornering forces: which line will minimise the lateral grip requirement?
You would not sacrifice one of the higher items for an item lower down in the list. For example, on a blind, tight left hand bend, visibility would be enhanced by being further offside. However, this conflicts with Safety, which, in circumstances where you wouldn't have time to avoid an oncomer, suggests strongly that a more nearside position is desirable.
Ultimately, plenty of the right kind of practice, with suitable input from a knowledgeable and experienced coach is the best way of acquiring the "knack" of choosing the optimum position.
regards
Nick
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