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The blue car has a low centre of gravity. On a curve, the weight shifts to one side but the car remains stable. The truck, with its large wheels, has a much higher centre of gravity. On a flat surface it is stable, but when the weight shifts on a curve, the truck becomes unstable and may roll. 

Slippery or sandy road surfaces, worn tires, and under‑ or over‑ inflated tires that don’t grab the road will reduce traction. Slow down if you are on a poor road surface. 

Inertia  — this is the tendency for moving objects — in this case, you and your vehicle — to continue moving forward in a straight line. When you brake, inertia tries to keep your vehicle moving. When you go around a curve, inertia tries to keep you going in a straight line. The faster you are going, the greater the force of inertia. 

Gravity  — this is the force that pulls everything towards earth. It’s the reason your vehicle slows down going up a hill and speeds up coming down. It’s important to remember this when you’re going downhill because your vehicle will need a longer distance to stop. 

Centre of gravity  — this is the point around which all of an object’s weight is balanced. The centre of gravity for any object can change. For example, a tightrope walker may carry a pole to lower the body’s centre of gravity and make it easier to balance. 

Most vehicles are built on the same principle — low enough to the ground so they balance well on hills, curves and uneven road surfaces. But some vehicles — for example, some sports utility vehicles, pickup trucks and camper vans — have a higher centre of gravity. Whenever the height of a vehicle or its load rises, the centre of gravity also rises. A vehicle with a higher centre of gravity is less stable on uneven road surfaces and is more likely to tip over on a curve taken at higher speeds. You need to remember this if you are driving one of these types of vehicles. 

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