Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET) Law Enforcement Driver Practice Test

How does the driver’s line through a corner differ between increasing and decreasing radius corners?

1. It remains the same in both cases

2. The line is tighter in increasing radius corners

3. The line diverges more in decreasing radius corners

4. Both require the same line approach

The correct answer is: The line diverges more in decreasing radius corners

In the context of cornering dynamics, the driver's line through a corner is significantly influenced by whether the corner has an increasing or decreasing radius. For decreasing radius corners, the line diverges more because these corners start wide but then become tighter as the driver progresses through them. This means that as the vehicle enters the corner, the driver must adjust their trajectory more dramatically to stay on track, often having to manage their speed and steering inputs to navigate the tighter arc effectively. This contrasts with increasing radius corners, where the corner starts tighter and then opens up. In this situation, the line may not require as much adjustment, allowing the driver to maintain a smoother line throughout the turn. Therefore, recognizing the difference in cornering strategies and adjusting the line appropriately becomes crucial for optimal control and safety. Overall, understanding the nature of corner radii is vital for drivers, especially in law enforcement scenarios where precision and speed are paramount.