1997 Oldsmobile Achieva Owner's Manual - Page 169

Loss of Control Let's review what driving experts say about what happens when the three control systems (brakes, steering and acceleration) don'thave enough friction where the tires meet the road to do what the driverhas asked. If you do not have the Enhanced Traction System, or if the system is off, then an acceleration skid is also best handled by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal. If your vehicle startsto slide, ease your foot off the accelerator pedaland quickly steer the way you want the vehicle to go. If you start steeringquickly enough, your vehicle may straighten out.Always be ready for a second skid if it occurs. Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice, gravel or othermaterial is on the road. For safety, you'll want to slow down and adjust your driving to these conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery surfaces because stopping distancewill be longer and vehicle control more limited. While driving on a surfacewith reduced traction, try your best to avoidsudden steering, acceleration or braking (including engine brakingby shifting to alower gear). Any sudden changes could causethe tires to slide. You may not realize the surface is slippery until your vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning clues -- such as enough water, ice orpacked snow on the road to make a "mirrored surface" -- and slow down when you have any doubt. Remember: Any anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps avoid only the braking skid. In any emergency, don't give up. Keep trying steer and to constantly seekan escape route or area of less danger. Skidding In a skid, a driver lose control of the vehicle. can Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable care suited to existing conditions, by not and "overdriving" those conditions. But skids are always possible. The three types of skids correspond toyour Oldsmobile's three control systems.In the braking skid, your wheels aren't rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, toomuch speed or steering in a curve causestires to slip and lose cornering force.And in the acceleration skid, too much throttle causesthe driving wheels to spin. A cornering skidis best handled by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal. If you have the Enhanced Traction System, remember: It helps avoid only the acceleration skid. 4-15