1998 Oldsmobile Achieva Owner's Manual - Page 159

Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to the same laws of physics when driving on curves. The traction of the tires against the road surface makes it possible for the vehicle change itspath when you turn to the front wheels. there's no traction, inertiawill keep If the vehicle goingin the same direction.If you've ever tried to steer avehicle on wet ice, you'llunderstand this. 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 can control. you Suppose you're steering through sharp curve. Thenyou a -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 on the up accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle way you want it the to go, and slow down. Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should adjust your speed. Of course, theposted speeds are based 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" through the curve. Maintain a reasonable,steady speed. Wait to accelerate until you are out of the curve,and then accelerate gently into the straightaway. Steering in Emergencies There are times 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 carsuddenly pulls out from nowhere, or a child darts out from between parked cars and stops rightin 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 evasiveaction -- steering around the problem. Your vehicle can perform very well in emergencies like these. First apply your brakes. (See "Braking in Emergencies" earlierin 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 right dependingon the space available. 4-11