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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 Chevrolet’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 ASR system, remember: It helps avoid
only the acceleration skid.
If you do not have
ASR,
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.
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