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
To Next Page
Loading...
