Braking in Emergencies
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.
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. Adding the sudden acceleration can demand too
much of those places. You can lose control. Refer to
“Traction Control System” in the Index.
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.
4-11
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