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
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.
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