When approaching a curve in a loaded tanker, when should the driver reduce speed?

TANKER CURVE SPEED: Reduce speed BEFORE entering the curve. WHY: Braking IN a curve is dangerous in a tanker because: the high center of gravity plus liquid surge already strains stability; braking transfers weight and combined with the lateral force of the curve can cause a rollover or skid; the surging liquid can push the truck and upset balance; PROPER TECHNIQUE: Slow to a safe speed on the straight approach BEFORE the curve; the safe speed is well BELOW the posted advisory speed (advisory speeds are calculated for passenger cars, not high-center-of-gravity tankers); maintain steady speed through the curve; accelerate gently coming out; ADVISORY SPEEDS: A curve marked 35 mph might require a loaded tanker to take it at 20-25 mph or less; ROLLOVER: Tankers roll over at curve speeds cars handle easily; this is one of the most common tanker accidents; the principle 'slow before, steady through' applies to all high-center-of-gravity vehicles but is especially critical for tankers due to surge; always err on the side of slower.