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 Pontiac’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 is best handled by easing your foot
off
the accelerator pedal.
If
you have the traction control system, remember:
It
helps avoid only the acceleration skid.
If you do not have traction control,
or
if
the system
is
off, then
an
acceleration skid is
also
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.
4-15
To Next Page
Loading...
