Centrifugal force (middelpuntvliedende kracht and centrifugaal-kracht in Dutch), is derived from the Latin words ‘centrum’ (center) and ‘fugere’ (to flee). With this force, your car seems to want to continue straight ahead in the curve.
The effect of centrifugal force depends on:
- the speed at which you drive;
- the radius of the curve;
- the weight of your car.
The greater the centrifugal force, the greater the chance that your car will lose grip on the road.
Speed
Pay attention to your speed. It has the greatest influence on centrifugal force.
If your speed doubles, the centrifugal force quadruples!
Therefore, always reduce your speed before a curve.
speed * 2 = centrifugal force * 4
Decreasing Radius Curve
Sometimes the radius of a curve gradually decreases, meaning that the curve becomes sharper. This type of curve is also known as a ‘decreasing radius curve.’ It is particularly important to pay attention to your speed in these curves to avoid skidding or going off the road.
Road Camber
To counteract centrifugal force, the road surface in some curves is inclined outward. This is known as positive road camber.
The camber in these curves helps absorb some of the centrifugal force. As a result, you may not need to adjust your speed as much in the curve, aiding in safe traffic flow.
Road camber is more commonly found in curves on highways and freeways.