2010 Pontiac Vibe Owner's Manual - Page 140

8-6 Driving and Operating Off-Road Recovery The vehicle's right wheels can drop off the edge of a road onto the shoulder while driving. front tire contacts the pavement edge. Then turn the steering wheel to go straight down the roadway. Loss of Control Let us review what driving experts say about what happens when the three control systems - brakes, steering, and acceleration - do not have enough friction where the tires meet the road to do what the driver has asked. An emergency like this requires close attention and a quick decision. If holding the steering wheel at the recommended 9 and 3 o'clock positions, it can be turned a full 180 degrees very quickly without removing either hand. But you have to act fast, steer quickly, and just as quickly straighten the wheel once you have avoided the object. The fact that such emergency situations are always possible is a good reason to practice defensive driving at all times and wear safety belts properly. In any emergency, do not give up. Keep trying to steer and constantly seek an escape route or area of less danger. If the level of the shoulder is only slightly below the pavement, recovery should be fairly easy. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer so that the vehicle straddles the edge of the pavement. Turn the steering wheel 8 to 13 cm, 3 to 5 inches, (about one-eighth turn) until the right Skidding In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle. Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable care suited to existing conditions, and by not overdriving those conditions. But skids are always possible.