How can excessive speed impact vehicle control when approaching a curve?

Excessive speed when approaching a curve significantly increases the risk of losing control of the vehicle. When a driver exceeds the recommended speed for a curve, centrifugal force increases, pushing the vehicle outward and making it more difficult to navigate the turn safely. This can lead to oversteering or understeering, depending on various factors such as vehicle type, weight distribution, and road conditions.

At high speeds, the tires may lose their grip on the road surface, which is critical for maintaining vehicle control during a turn. This loss of traction can result in skidding or even rolling over, particularly if the curve is sharp or if the road is wet or icy. Managing speed appropriately before entering a curve allows for better response to steering inputs and helps maintain stability throughout the turn.

Understanding how speed affects vehicle dynamics is essential for safe driving, particularly in commercial driving where larger vehicles have different handling characteristics than standard cars.