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.
Driving
at Night
I
.A
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.
4-15