1997 Buick Park Avenue Owner's Manual - Page 200

Steering i Emergencies n There aretimes when steering can be more effective than braking. For example, you come overa hill and find a truck stopped in your lane, ora car suddenly pulls out from nowhere, or a child darts out from between parked cars and stops right in front you. You can of 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 Buick can perform very well in emergencies like these. First apply your brakes. (See "Braking in Emergencies" earlier inthis section.) It is better to remove as much speed as you can froma possible collision. Then steer around the problem, to theleft or right depending 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,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. 4-12