1997 Oldsmobile Achieva Owner's Manual - Page 165

Braking in Emergencies With anti-lock, you can steer and brake at the same time. In many emergencies, steeringcan help you more than even the very best braking. The traction you 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. Then you suddenly accelerate. Both control systems -- steering and acceleration -- have to do their work where the tires meet the road. Adding the sudden acceleration can demand too much of those places. You can lose control. Refer to "Enhanced Traction system" in the Index. What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up on the accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you want it to go, and slow down. Speed limit signsnear curves warn that you should adjust your speed. Of course, the posted speeds are based on good weather and road conditions. Under less favorable conditionsyou'll want to go slower. If you need to reduceyour speed as you approach a curve, do it before enter the curve, whileyour front you wheels are straight ahead. Try to adjustyour speed so you can "drive" through the curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to accelerate until you are outof the curve, and then accelerate gently into the straightaway. Steering Power Steering If you lose power steering assist because the engine stops or thesystem is not functioning, you can steer but it will take much more effort. Steering Tips Driving on Curves It's important to take curves a reasonable speed. at A lot of the "driver lostcontrol'' accidents mentioned on the news happen on curves. Here's why: Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to the same lawsof physics when driving on curves. The traction of the tires against the road surface makes it possible for the vehicle to change its path when you turn the front wheels. If there's no traction, inertia will keep the vehicle going in the same direction.If you've ever tried to steer a vehicle onwet ice, you'llunderstand this. 4-11