When approaching a bend at a high speed, when should you begin to brake?

Braking before the bend is the correct approach because it allows the driver to reduce speed to a safe level before entering a potentially challenging section of road. By slowing down beforehand, you can maintain better control of the vehicle through the bend, ensuring that you have adequate reaction time to adjust your steering and handle any unforeseen circumstances. Additionally, braking earlier can prevent the risk of skidding or losing control, which is especially important on curves where traction may be compromised by the road's shape or surface conditions.

Braking at the apex of the bend may result in losing control, as the vehicle can become unstable during the transition of steering and braking forces. This could lead to accidents if the driver isn't adequately prepared for the maneuver. Similarly, braking after the bend can put the driver in a precarious position, unable to effectively navigate the curve and potentially colliding with other road users or obstacles. The suggestion to brake only if there are obstacles doesn't take into account the importance of speed management for safe cornering, which is crucial even in the absence of other hazards.