Steering In Emergencies - Chevrolet 2000 C-Series Owner's Manual

Steering in Emergencies

There are times when steering can be more effective
than braking. For example, you come over a hill and
find a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly
pulls out from nowhere, or a child darts out from
between parked cars and stops right in front of you.
You can avoid these problems by braking
can stop in time. But sometimes you can't; there isn't
room. That's the time for evasive action
around the problem.
In emergencies like these, first apply your brakes
-
unless you have anti lock, not enough to lock your
wheels. (See "Braking in Emergencies" earlier in this
section.) It is better to remove as much speed as you
can from a possible collision. Then steer around the
problem, to the left or right depending on the space
available. If your vehicle has anti
need to release the brakes to maintain steering control.
--
if you
--
steering
--
but
-
lock brakes, you don't
An emergency like this requires close attention and a
quick decision. If you are holding the steering wheel at
the recommended 9 and 3 o'clock positions, you may
be able to turn it just enough to miss the object without
removing either hand. But you must act fast, steering
precisely. The more sharply you turn, the greater the
chance of a skid, a rollover or a "jackknife" with a
-
tractor trailer. Just as quickly straighten the wheel
once you have avoided the object.
The fact that such emergency situations are always
possible is a good reason to practice defensive driving
at all times and wear safety belts properly.
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