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 bralung
skid,
your wheels
aren’t rolling. In the steering or cornering shd, 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.
Remember: Any traction control system helps avoid
only the acceleration
skid.
If
your traction control 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.
If you have
the
Eldorado
ETC,
you
may
see the
STABILITY
SYS
ENGAGED
message on the Driver
Information Center. See “Stability Engaged Message”
in
the Index.
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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