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 and an acceleration skid are 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.
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.
4-13
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