What force pushes your vehicle away from the center of a curve?

The force that pushes your vehicle away from the center of a curve is known as centrifugal force. This apparent force is the result of inertia, which is the tendency of an object to resist changes in its state of motion. When a vehicle is traveling along a curved path, the vehicle's inertia wants to continue moving in a straight line. As the vehicle navigates the curve, it is constantly being pulled inward towards the center due to the frictional force between the tires and the road surface.

However, to an observer inside the vehicle, it feels as though there is a force pushing them outward, away from the center of the curve. This perceived force is commonly referred to as centrifugal force. Although it is not a real force in the traditional sense, it helps explain the feelings and behavior experienced when turning. Understanding this concept is crucial for safe driving, as it highlights the importance of maintaining a safe speed while navigating turns to counteract this feeling and maintain control of the vehicle.