ViragePologne

Apprenez les règles de circulation avec des explications claires et des exemples visuels dans notre livre illustré, simple et agréable à étudier.


37. Virage

Un virage est une section de route qui change de direction vers la gauche ou la droite. Un virage serré, inattendu ou peu visible peut réduire la vue du conducteur sur les véhicules approchant, les véhicules arrêtés, les piétons et d’autres dangers.

Les conducteurs doivent réduire leur vitesse avant d’entrer dans le virage, rester dans leur voie et utiliser une direction, un freinage et une accélération progressifs. Des panneaux d’avertissement peuvent indiquer la direction du premier virage ou une série de virages successifs.

Virage
What is a road curve?

A road curve is a section where the road changes direction to the left or right.

How can you recognise a dangerous curve?

It may be indicated by a triangular warning sign showing a curved line. The symbol normally indicates whether the first curve turns left or right.

What is a double curve?

A double curve consists of two curves in opposite directions. The warning sign normally shows the direction of the first curve.

Can a sign warn of more than two curves?

Yes. A double-curve symbol may also warn of a longer sequence of successive curves. A supplementary panel may indicate the length of the winding section.

Does a curve-warning sign impose a speed limit?

No. It normally warns of danger rather than setting a numerical limit. Drivers must still reduce speed when the permitted maximum would be unsafe.

When should you reduce speed for a curve?

Reduce speed before entering the curve, while the vehicle is travelling straight and has maximum stability.

Should you brake heavily while cornering?

No. Harsh braking in a curve can reduce stability and grip. Complete most braking beforehand and use smooth adjustments where necessary.

Should you accelerate through a curve?

Maintain a controlled speed through the curve. Accelerate smoothly only when the exit becomes visible and the vehicle is stable.

Where should you look while driving through a curve?

Look towards the path you intend to follow and the visible exit of the curve. Continue checking the road surface, lane position and nearby traffic.

Must you remain in your lane?

Yes. Do not cross the centre line or cut across another lane, even when this would make the curve appear easier to negotiate.

Why is visibility limited in a curve?

Buildings, vegetation, slopes, barriers and the road alignment may hide oncoming traffic, cyclists, pedestrians, stopped vehicles or debris.

How fast should you drive through a curve?

Choose a speed that allows you to remain in your lane and stop within the distance you can see to be clear. The safe speed may be far below the legal maximum.

What is an advisory speed for a curve?

An advisory speed is a recommended safe speed for negotiating the curve under suitable conditions. It is not necessarily the legal maximum speed.

How do rain, snow or ice affect a curve?

They reduce tyre grip and increase the risk of skidding. Reduce speed earlier, use smooth controls and leave additional distance from other vehicles.

What should you do if gravel or debris is present?

Avoid sudden braking or steering. Reduce speed smoothly and follow a clear path without entering another traffic lane.

May you overtake in a curve?

Do not overtake when visibility is insufficient to see approaching traffic and complete the manoeuvre safely. Local law, signs and continuous road markings may also prohibit overtaking.

May you stop or park in a curve?

Only where it is permitted and the vehicle remains clearly visible. Stopping or parking in a poorly visible curve may create a serious hazard and is often prohibited.

Should you follow another vehicle closely through a curve?

No. Leave enough distance to react if the vehicle ahead brakes for a hidden obstruction or a sharper part of the curve.

Why should motorcyclists take extra care?

Motorcycles require grip for both cornering and braking. Riders should reduce speed before the curve, choose a stable line and avoid painted markings, gravel and slippery surfaces.

How can a curve affect a trailer or caravan?

A trailer may sway, track closer to the inside of the curve or become unstable when speed and steering inputs are excessive. Enter slowly and steer smoothly.

Why do large vehicles need more space?

Buses and trucks may move closer to lane boundaries because of their length and width. Other drivers should avoid travelling beside them through a tight curve.

What should you do if an oncoming vehicle crosses the centre line?

Reduce speed, move safely towards your side of the road and avoid a sudden manoeuvre that could cause another collision. Sound a warning only when reasonably necessary.

Does the absence of a warning sign mean every curve is safe at the speed limit?

No. Drivers must assess every curve and adapt their speed even when no warning sign is displayed.

1 Pologne 2 Autoroute 3 Voie rapide 4 Zone résidentielle 5 Agglomération 6 Zone 7 Limitation de vitesse 8 Chemin piéton 9 Piste cyclable 10 Chemin partagé 11 Chemin séparé 12 Avertissement piétons 13 Tunnel 14 Ralentisseur 15 Route à péage 16 Douane 17 Circulation à sens unique 18 Quai 19 Pente 20 Voie de bus 21 Arrêt de bus 22 Impasse 23 Panneau Stop 24 Cédez le passage 25 Rond-point 26 Route prioritaire 27 Rétrécissement de chaussée 28 Priorité sur la circulation venant en sens inverse 29 Cédez le passage à la circulation venant en sens inverse 30 Passage pour piétons 31 Passage à niveau 32 Direction obligatoire 33 Interdiction de tourner 34 Zone scolaire 35 Dépassement 36 Traversée d’animaux 37 Virage 38 Chevron 39 Circulation à contresens 40 Travaux routiers 41 Limitation de hauteur 42 Limitation de poids 43 Panneau de contrôle radar 44 Priorité au prochain carrefour 45 Feux de circulation 46 Avertissement de feux de circulation 47 Feux pour piétons 48 Marquages routiers 49 Schéma de carrefour 50 Permis de conduire 51 Miroir routier 52 Frontière internationale 53 Passage souterrain pour piétons 54 Itinéraire cyclable 55 Stationnement 56 Stationnement interdit 57 Arrêt interdit 58 Parc relais 59 Dépose-minute 60 Stationnement pour personnes handicapées 61 Gestion du trafic 62 Insertion 63 Marche arrière 64 Demi-tour 65 État de la chaussée 66 Permis provisoire 67 Marchandises dangereuses 68 Service radio 69 Attraction touristique 70 Klaxon 71 Plaque d’immatriculation 72 Station de recharge 73 Dangers 74 Sécurité ferroviaire 75 Piéton 76 Cycliste 77 Voiture 78 Camion 79 Autobus 80 Police 81 Ambulance 82 Taxi 83 Norme européenne d’émissions 84 Voie publique 85 Nid-de-poule 86 Propriété privée 87 Chemin 88 Particules 89 Pollution de l’air 90 Heure de pointe 91 Code de la route 92 Circulation à double sens 93 Caniveau 94 Vélo cargo 95 Véhicule forestier 96 Véhicule de chantier 97 Ensemble semi-remorque 98 Trolleybus 99 Speed pedelec 100 Véhicule de livraison ...