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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 is best handled by easing your foot off
the accelerator pedal.
If
you have the Enhanced Traction System, remember:
It helps avoid only
the
acceleration skid.
If
you do not have the Enhanced Traction System, 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
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