Before getting into the meat of the matter, it is important to understand that there are different types of corners. We’ll explain further below how to corner more generally, but keep in mind that you’ll have to adapt the steps that we describe depending on the configuration of the roads, which, in some cases, will require more caution.
1 - The different angles
What distinguishes corners is the angles. As we shall see, corners have three types of radius:
Constant radius turn
As its name indicates, this is a semi-circular turn where the radius is the same from the beginning to the end.
Increasing radius turn
As you take the corner, the angle widens. We can say, then, that it’s a turn that opens up.
Decreasing radius turn
Unlike an increasing radius, the radius here shrinks. We can say, then, that it’s a turn that closes.
2 - The gradient
The angle isn’t the only variable that characterises corners. You also have to take into account the gradient. There are turns where the situation is flat, descending, or ascending, and others that have a positive crossfall (a rise after the turn) or a negative crossfall (a descent after the turn).