1995 Buick Roadmaster Owner's Manual - Page 155

The traction you can get in a curve depends the on condition of your tires andthe road surface, the angle at which the curve is banked, and your speed. While you're in a curve, speed is the factor you can one control. Suppose you're steering through a sharp curve. Then you suddenly accelerate. Both control systems -steering and acceleration have to do -their work where the tires meetthe road. Adding the sudden acceleration can demand too much those places. You can lose of control. Steering i Emergencies n There are times when steering can be more effective tha braking. For example, you come over hill and find a 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 you. You can avoid these of problems by braking -- if you can stopin time. But sometimes you can't; there isn't room. That's the time fo evasive action-- steering around the problem. Your Buickcan perform very well emergencies like in these. First apply your brqes. (See "Braking in What should you do this ever happens? Ease up on the Emergencies" earlierin this section.) Itis better to if accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you want remove as much speed you can from a possible it as to go, and slow down. collision. Thenstier around the problem, to theleft or right depending on the space available. Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should adjust your speed. course, the posted speeds are Of An emergency like this requires close attention and a based on good weather and road conditions. Under less quick decision.If you are holding the steering wheel at favorable conditions you'll want.to go slower. the recommended 9 and 3 o'clock positions,you can turn it a full 180 degrees very quickly without removing If you needto reduce your speed as you approach a gast, curve, doit before you enter the curve, while your front either hand. But you have to act steer quickly, and just as quickly straightenthe wheel once you have wheels are straight ahead. &voided the object. Try to adjust your speed you can "drive" through the so The fact that such emergency situations are always curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to possible is a good reason to practice defensive driving at accelerate untilyou are out of the curve, and then all times and wear safety belts properly. accelerate gently into straightaway. the 4-9