Loss Of Control - GMC C series 2002 Owner's Manual

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 vehicle'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.
4-14
A cornering skid and an acceleration skid are
usually best handled by easing your foot off the
accelerator pedal.
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). See "Diesel Engine Exhaust Brake" in
the Index for information about using the exhaust
brake on slippery surfaces. 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
ice or packed snow on the road to make a "mirrored
--
surface" and slow down when you have any doubt.
such as enough water,