This is an old article scanned from Bike magazine.  Applies equally to cars. The most important paragraph is the second one below, beginning "As we approach a corner ...".  This is an important technique if you want to maintain good and safe progress on an unfamiliar road. Even if you've never been on the road before, you will now be able to read the road ahead.  You won't find yourself braking unnecessarily for corners that turn out not to be that severe; and, conversely, won't find yourself steaming into seemingly-gentle corners that tighten unexpectedly.  If it's "unexpected", then you need to up your skills - read this article!

Distilled, you do as follows:

1. Look up and out to the outside hedge at and past the apex of the bend.
2. A dangerous, sharp bend will create a subtle optical illusion whereby the outside hedge (or wall, or fence, or line of trees, etc.) will appear to stand still or even rush towards you.
3. A gentle, safe bend will appear to open out or "run away" from you.

Once studied and practised, it;s like having a co-driver with basic pace notes and gives you a huge advantage over the 99% of drivers who simply haven't a clue about this old technique: