Skidding
In a skid, a driver can lose control
of
the vehicle.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable
care suited to existing conditions, and by
not
“overdriving” those conditions. But skids are always
possible.
The three types
of
skids correspond to your Buick’s
three control systems. In the braking skid your wheels
aren’t rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too
much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and
lose cornering force. And in the acceleration skid too
much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.
A cornering skid is best handled by easing your foot off
the accelerator pedal.
If
you
have the traction control system, remember: It
helps avoid only the acceleration skid.
Of course, traction is reduced when water,
snow,
ice,
gravel, or other material
is
on the road. For safety, you’ll
want to slow down and adjust your driving to these
conditions.
It
is important to slow down on slippery
surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and
vehicle control more limited.
While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try
your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration, or
braking (including engine braking by shifting to a lower
gear). Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide.
You
may not realize the surface
is
slippery until your
vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning clues
--
such as enough water, ice or packed snow on the road to
make a “mirrored surface”
--
and slow down when you
have any doubt.
Remember: Any anti-lock braking system
(ABS)
helps
avoid only
the
braking skid.
If
you do not have traction control, or if the system is
off, then an acceleration skid is also best handled by
easing your
foot
off the accelerator pedal.
If your vehicle starts
to
slide, ease your foot
off
the
accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way
you
want the
vehicle to go.
If
you start steering quickly enough, your
vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready for a
second skid if it occurs.
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