Curves are used in transportation routes to gradually change direction between straight segments. There are several types of curves including simple, compound, reverse, and transition curves. A simple circular curve connects two tangents with a single arc, and is defined by its radius or degree. Transition curves provide a gradual transition between tangents and circular curves to avoid abrupt changes in grade or superelevation that could cause vehicles to overturn. There are several methods for laying out circular curves, including using offset distances from the long chord between tangent points or measuring deflection angles from the initial tangent.