If your bus leans toward the outside on a banked curve, what does this indicate?

When a bus leans toward the outside of a banked curve, it typically indicates that the vehicle is not maintaining the appropriate speed for the curve's design. A banked curve is intended to help counteract the effects of centrifugal force during a turn, enhancing stability. If the bus leans outward, it suggests that the speed is too high for the banking angle, resulting in an imbalance that causes the vehicle to tilt away from the desired path.

Driving too fast for the curve means that the centrifugal force exceeds the centripetal force that should keep the bus on its intended course, leading to a lean outward. This can compromise safety, as it raises the risk of losing traction and potentially rolling over.

In contrast, a bus leaning inward or maintaining a stable position on a banked curve typically indicates proper speed and handling. This understanding emphasizes the importance of adjusting speed according to the road conditions and curve geometry to ensure safe operation.