When navigating a curve, what should you do to maintain traction?

Gradually decreasing your speed while navigating a curve is essential for maintaining traction. When you enter a curve, the centrifugal force acting on your vehicle increases, which can lead to a loss of traction, especially if you take the curve too quickly. By reducing your speed, you give your tires a better chance to grip the road surface, minimizing the risk of skidding or losing control.

Maintaining a slower speed allows for a smoother and more controlled approach to the curve, which is particularly important if the road conditions are wet, icy, or uneven. It helps ensure you can steer effectively throughout the turn without overloading the tires, which can happen if you enter too fast.

Other options may introduce risks or don't optimize your vehicle's handling in curves. For instance, keeping to one side of the road without considering speed and control, or braking suddenly while in the curve, could lead to a loss of control. Thus, gradually decreasing speed is the best practice for maintaining traction on curves.