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Old 16th October 2008, 14:16
G-CPTN G-CPTN is offline  
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Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Tynedale
Age: 79
Posts: 3,698
Simple 'mechanics' (physics):-
In order to deviate from travelling in a straight line at a constant speed, there has to be a 'force' available to push or pull the object (in this case the vehicle). This force has to be transmitted between the ground and the vehicle through the tyres (and the road surface - in this case covered in water). Simple tests show that wet tarmac or concrete has a lower grip than dry surfaces, and, of course the extreme of ice is obvious. (Though, interesting, hard, dry ice has a a higher grip than wet, melting ice which has a layer of water on the surface - this is the lowest grip surface of all.)
So, we have varying degrees of water, and the more water there is, the wetter the surface and the lower the grip.
To steer around a curve the tyres must have sufficient grip to transfer the necessary forces to the vehicle. Irrespective of aquaplaning (which is a condition similar to wet ice), the amount of water is directly proportional to the reduction in available grip, so be aware that when travelling at speed on wet roads, the ability to steer, brake and accelerate will be reduced.
Then there's the condition of oily-rubber (from tyres) that gets wet, vastly reducing the grip from dry rubber. Spillage of diesel fuel also has a devastating effect on grip.
Make sure that you have adequate room to 'drift' without hitting anything, especially when the roads are wet, particularly for the first time after a dry spell.

Part of my advanced driver-training involved constantly looking at surroundings for 'somewhere to have a crash' - meaning that you should be looking for an escape route should other vehicles enter your space or your intended manoeuvre become different to your intention.

(Another part was learning to drive two-thirds forwards and one-third behind you - ie always be aware of what is happening behind you - the instructor would cover the interior mirror (the lessons were in a car rather than a truck with external mirrors) and ask you to describe what traffic was following and whether they were catching up.)
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