1997 Buick Park Avenue Owner's Manual - Page 199

Steering Tips Driving on Curves It's important to take curvesat a reasonablespeed. A lot of the "driver lost control" accidents mentioned on the news happen on curves. Here's why: Experienced driveror beginner, eachof us is subject to the same laws physics when driving oncurves. The of traction of the tires against the road surface makes it possible for the vehicle change itspath when you turn to If the front wheels. there's no traction, inertia will keep the vehicle going in the same direction. If you've ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you'll understand this. The traction you can get ina curve depends on the condition of your tires andthe road surface, the angle at which the curve is banked, and yourspeed. While you're in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control. Suppose you're steering through a sharp curve. Then you 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 "Traction Control" in the Index. up What should you do if this ever happens? Ease on the accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you want it to go, and slow down. Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should adjust your speed. Of course, the posted 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, doit 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. 4-11