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The same thing can happen if you're steering through
a
sharp curve and you
suddenly accelerate. Those two control systems - steering and acceleration
-
can overwhelm those places where the tires meet the road and make vou
lose control.
What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up on the brake
or
accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you want it~to go, and slow
down.
Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should adjust your speed.
Of
course, the posted speeds are based on good weather and road conditions.
Under less favorable conditions you'll want to go slower.
If you need to reduce your speed as you approach a curve, do it before you
enter the curve, while your front wheels are straight ahead.
Try to adjust your speed so you can "drive" through the curve. Maintain a
reasonable, steady speed. Wait to accelerate until you are out
of the curve,
and then accelerate gently into the straightaway.
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 - if you can stop
in
time. But sometimes you can't; there isn't
room. That's the time for evasive action - steering around the problem.
Your Vehicle can perform very well in emergencies like these. First apply
your brakes - but, unless you have four-wheel anti-lock, not enough to
lock your front wheels. 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.
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 can turn it a full 180 degrees very quickly without removing
either hand. But you have to act
fast, steer quickly, and just as quickly
straighten the wheel once you have avoided the object.
4-9
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