Let me give you some sound advice on steering. Do *not* grab the steering wheel from the inside, as this can be very dangerous. You won’t be able to correct the wheel’s position in case something unanticipated happens (like a vehicle suddenly appearing in the direction you’re turning towards).
There are different ways to steer the steering wheel, and this includes the following:
* Palming – A one-hand steering technique where you press your left palm (the hand not doing the shifting) onto the wheel to turn it round and round.
* Hand over hand – A two-handed technique where one hand may cross over the other hand when needed.
* Shuffle steering – Considered a safer way of operating the steering wheel. This entails your left hand staying on the left side of the wheel, and the right hand on the right side.
The first thing that should come to mind when you read this post’s title is duh!–driving while distracted is truly dangerous. But some people are guilty of this. Some would make calls, eat, apply makeup and even fiddle with the stereo controls while driving. I think texting is one of the worst things you can do while driving.
Here’s a study that confirms this commonsensical notion that texting while driving is just plain wrong.
If you watched Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, you’d know what I mean. Wikipedia defines powersliding and has several descriptive steps on how to execute a drift or powerslide:
Drifting refers either to a driving technique, or to a sport based on the technique; this article deals primarily with the sport. When the rear slip angle is greater than the front slip angle, and the front wheels are pointed in the opposite direction to the turn (e.g. car is turning left, wheels are pointed right), and the driver is controlling this, the car is drifting.
Powersliding is usually a technique used in racing to approach a corner at full power, instead of having to approach the corner from a wide angle and slowing down. This enables the driver to accelerate quickly after the turn. This technique is also used so the driver won’t have to slow down considerably in slippery roads (such as dirt roads).
* Use the power to start the slide
* Let off the power to stop the tail from spinning
* Catch the slide with the opposite lock (oversteer)
* Reintroduce the power to continue the slide
* Be gentle with the controls
Don’t try this on your regular streets and with stock suspensions, wheels and tires! You might end up hurting yourself and/or your car. If you want to learn powersliding, it’s best to consult with a professional, and to try it on the racetrack or an open field.
Written by J. Angelo Racoma on February 6, 2007 | 2 Comments
Study driving is a blog for drivers and auto enthusiasts of all kinds. Here we talk about driving tips and techniques ranging from the simplest lessons for beginners, to defensive driving techniques, to advanced maneuvers. (Read more...)
