Braking in Emergencies
Use your anti-lock braking system when you need to.
With anti-lock, you can steer and brake at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can help you more
than even the very best braking.
P.
Steering
Power Steering
If
you
lose power steering assist because the engine
stops or the system is not functioning,
you
can steer but
it will take much more effort.
Steering Tips
Driving on Curves
It’s important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A
lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on
the news happen on curves. Here’s
why:
Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject
to
the
same laws of physics when driving on curves. The
traction of the tires against the road surface makes
it
possible for the vehicle to change its path when you
turn
the front wheels.
If
there’s no traction, inertia will keep
the vehicle going
in
the same direction.
If
you’ve ever
tried
to
steer a vehicle on wet ice, you’ll understand this.
The traction you can get in a curve depends on the
condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle at
which the curve is banked, and your speed. While
you’re in a curve, speed
is
the
one
factor you can
control.
Suppose you’re steering through a sharp curve. Then
you suddenly accelerate. Both control systems
--
steering and acceleration
--
have to do their work where
the
tires meet the road. Unless
you
have traction control
and the system
is
on, adding the sudden acceleration can
demand
too
much of those places. You can
lose
control.
What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up
on
the
accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you want it
to go, and slow down.
Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should
adjust your speed. Of course, the posted speeds are
based on good weather and road conditions. Under less
favorable conditions you’ll want to
go
slower.
If you need
to
reduce your speed as you approach a
curve, do
it
before you enter the curve, while your front
wheels are straight ahead.
Try to adjust your speed
so
you can “drive” through
the
curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to
accelerate
until
you
are out
of
the curve, and then
accelerate gently into the straightaway.
156
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