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.
Driving at
Night
I
Night driving is more dangerous
than
day
driving. One
reason is that some drivers are likely to
be
impaired
-
by
alcohol or drugs, with night
vision
problems, or by fatigue.
4-14