What is the best practice when approaching a curve in the road?

When approaching a curve in the road, shifting into a lower gear is often the best practice for several reasons. Lowering the gear allows the vehicle to have better control and stability as it navigates the curve. This practice helps in managing the vehicle’s speed more effectively, enabling smoother handling and reducing the risk of skidding or losing control.

Maintaining a lower gear enhances engine braking, which can be particularly useful when you are navigating a tight curve. This not only aids in slowing down but also provides better traction, allowing you to manage the vehicle's speed more safely while turning. Proper gear selection is crucial, especially on winding roads or in adverse weather conditions where traction may be compromised.

In contrast, accelerating through the curve can lead to oversteering or understeering, which can be dangerous. Looking directly at the ground could make it difficult to gauge the curve and assess the road conditions ahead. Crossing into oncoming traffic is extremely hazardous and not an acceptable practice when navigating any road, especially curves. Thus, shifting into a lower gear stands out as the safest and most effective approach.