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
Oldsmobile’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.
4-14
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