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
011
slippery
surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and
vehicle control more limited.
While driving on
a surflace 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 surfxe”
--
and slow down
when you have any doubt.
Remember: Any anti-lock brake system
(ABS)
helps
avoid only the braking skid.
4-13
To Next Page
Loading...
