Hills and curves — Maine Permit Test

When going up a long or steep hill, check your mirrors: truck and bus drivers often build up speed to make it to the top of the next hill.

A loaded truck gaining speed behind you can close the gap in seconds.

Check your mirrors. Drivers of trucks and buses often try to build up speed so that they can make it to the top of the next hill.

Always slow down before you enter a curve; a safe speed lets you accelerate slightly through it.

Braking once you are already in the bend can throw the car into a skid.

Always slow before entering a curve. A safe speed allows you to slightly accelerate through the curve.

Hard braking in a curve can cause a skid, because about two tons of car is moving in a straight line with only the front tires to control the turn.

The car keeps going straight toward the ditch while the front tires fight to turn it.

Hard braking in a curve can cause a skid because about two tons of vehicle is moving in a straight line with only the front tires to control the turn.

Slow even more for a curve if traction is poor, if you are following other vehicles, or if you cannot see the end of the curve.

A stopped car just past a blind bend gives you no room if you took the curve fast.

Slow more if traction is poor, when following other vehicles or if you cannot see the end of the curve.

Going up a long, steep hill, why should you check your mirrors?

Trucks and buses may be building speed. A loaded truck gaining speed behind you can close the gap in seconds. Maine Driver’s License Manual, p.79: “Check your mirrors. Drivers of trucks and buses often try to build up speed so that they can make it to the top of the next hill.”