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 vehicle’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.
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 Stabilitrak,
you
may see the STABILITY
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.
4-15
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