LOSS
OF
CONTROL
Let’s review what driving experts say about
what
happens when the three
control systems (brakes, steering and acceleration) don’t have enough
friction where the tires meet
the
road
to
do what
the
driver has asked.
In
any emergency, don’t give up. Keep
trying
to steer and constantly seek
an escape route or area
of
less
danger.
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 Cadillac’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 casing
your
foot off the accelerator
pedal.
Remember: Any traction control system helps avoid only the acceleration
skid.
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.
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 brake system
(ABS)
helps avoid only the
braking skid.
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