1997 Oldsmobile Achieva Owner's Manual - Page 166

Steering in Emergencies There aretimes 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 plull S 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. Your Oldsmobile can perform very well in emergencies like these. First apply your brakes. (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 rightdepending 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, steerquickly, and just as quickly straighten the wheel once you have avoided the object. The factthat such emergency situations are always possible is a good reason to practicedefensive driving at all times and wear safety belts properly. 4-12