Steering in Emergencies
There
are
times when steering
can
be more effective than
brakmg. For example, you come over a hill and find a
truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls out
from nowhere, or a child darts out from between parked
cars and stops right in front
of
you.
You
can avoid these
problems by braking
--
if you can stop in time. But
sometimes
you
can’t; there isn’t room. That’s the time for
evasive action
--
steering around the problem.
Your vehicle can perform very well in emergencies like
these. First apply your brakes. (See “Braking in
Emergencies” earlier in this section.) It is better to
remove as much speed as you can from a possible
collision. Then steer around the problem,
to
the
left or
right depending on the space available.
An emergency like this requires
close
attention and a
quick decision. If
you
are
holding the steering wheel at
the recommended
9
and
3
o’clock positions, you can
turn it a full
180
degrees very quickly without removing
either hand. But you have to act fast, steer quickly, and
just as quickly straighten the wheel once you have
avoided the object.
The fact that such emergency situations are always
possible
is
a
good reason
to
practice defensive driving at
all times and wear safety belts properly.
4-10
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