8 Things That Make You Crash And How To Avoid Them

1. Understeer

http://youtu.be/az_Vlgy5dbM?t=35s

Entering a corner too fast means the front tyres can't keep up with the steering angle you're demanding. This is called understeer, and this is why you crashed into that tree the first time around and off a cliff the second time...

How to avoid understeer: Build up your entry speed gradually to explore the car's grip limits.

2. Lift-off oversteer

http://youtu.be/_9zZWOTxOaU

Lifting off the throttle suddenly upsets the balance of the car, especially when combined with sudden steering inputs. You've probably experienced this going too quickly around a rounabout, then backing out suddenly.

How to avoid lift-off oversteer: Be super smooth with the throttle.

3. Shift-lock oversteer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMT6LJ6V3Ak

If your heel-and-toe needs work, you're more prone to locking up your tyres with a bad downshift. If you do that on your way to a corner, expect to hit something pretty hard.

How to avoid shift-lock oversteer: Practice rev-matching and downshifting. Then practice some more.

4. Aquaplaning

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VoJBydrMVBk

Driving too fast in the rain will result in your tyres effectively floating on a bed of water. And the last time we checked, cars weren't designed as flotation devices.

How to avoid aquaplaning: Drive more slowly in the rain and invest in premium tyres.

5. The blind spot

http://youtu.be/NOMjiejlEbY

A quick glance in your mirrors when you're ready to change lanes does not suffice. Your blind spot is the natural home of cyclists, bikers and Nissan Micras. And we're rather fond of bikers...

How to avoid danger: Check your mirrors, turn your head, then check your mirrors again.

6. Wet curbs

http://youtu.be/demm-CUgJHY?t=25s

Those rumble strips can be slippery in the rain and the wet grass that follows is very bad news too. Hit these at speed and you might as well be driving on ice.

How to avoid crashing: Be patient with the throttle when using the curbs in the wet.

7. Late braking

http://youtu.be/F7H8q3OrGkY?t=1m34s

Rear-ending someone is one of the most common forms of traffic accidents. Don't be 'that' guy.

How to avoid danger: Invest in decent tyres, pay attention in traffic (no phones!) and leave plenty of room between you and the car in front.

8. Unexpected road hazards

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiuRms2aE2c

There are plenty of road hazards that we're faced with on a daily basis. There's nothing we can do to avoid them, but we can make sure we're prepared to tackle them safely.

How to avoid hazards: Pray for good karma.