1996 Buick LeSabre Owner's Manual - Page 170

In a skid, a driver can lose control the vehicle. of Defensive drivers avoid most skids by talung reasonable care suited to existing conditions, and by not "overdriving" Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice, gravel or other material is on the road. For safety, you'll those conditions. But skids are always possible. want to slow down and adjust your driving to these The three types of skids correspond to your Buick's conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery three control systems. In thebraking skid, your wheels surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and aren't rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too vehicle control more limited. much speed or steering in a curve causestires to slip and While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try your lose cornering force. And in the acceleration skid, too best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration or braking much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin. (including engine braking by shifting to a lower gear). A cornering skid is best handled by easing your foot off Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide.You the accelerator pedal. may not realize the surface is slippery until your vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning clues-- such as If you have the traction control system,remember: It enough water, ice or packed snow on the road to make a helps avoid only the acceleration skid. "mirrored surface" -- and slow down when you have If you do not have traction control, orif the system is any doubt. off, then an acceleration skid is alsobest handled by Remember: Any anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps easing your foot off the accelerator pedal. avoid only the braking skid. If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want the vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough, your vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready for a second skid if it occurs.