1994 Oldsmobile Achieva Owner's Manual - Page 131

there's no traction, inertia keep the will vehicle going in thesame direction. If you've ever tried to steer avehicle on wet ice, you'll understand this. The tractionyou can get in a curve depends on the condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is banked, and your speed. While you're in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control. Suppose you're steering through a sharp curve. Thenyou suddenly accelerate. Both control systems steering and acceleration- have to do their work where the tires meet the road. Adding the suddenacceleration can demand too much of those places. You can lose control. What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up on the accelerator pedal, steerthe 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 arebased 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" throughthe curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to accelerate until you are out of the curve, and thenaccelerate gently into the straightaway. Steering in Emergencies rhere aretimes when steering can be more effectivethan braking. For Example, you come over a hill and find 3 truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls out from nowhere, or a child darts outfrom 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. 129