1997 Buick Riviera Owner's Manual - Page 174

The traction youcan get in a curve depends on the condition of your tires and road surface, the angle at the While which the curve is banked, and your speed. you're in a curve, speed the one factor you is can control. Steering in Emergencies There are times when steering can be more effective than a braking. For example, you come overhill and find a out truck stoppedin your lane, or a car suddenly pulls from nowhere, or a child darts out from between parked Suppose you're steering through sharp curve. Then you a in cars and stops right front of you. You can avoid these suddenly accelerate. Both control system -- steering and problem by braking -- if you can stopin time. But acceleration -- have to do their work where the tires meet sometimes you can't; there isn't room. That's the time for the road. Adding the sudden acceleration can demand too evasive action-- steering around the problem. much of those places. You can lose control. Refer to Your Buick can perform very well in emergencies like "Traction Control" in the Index. these. First apply your brakes. (See "Braking in What should you if this ever happens? do Ease up on the Emergencies" earlierin this section.)It is better to accelerator pedal, steer vehicle the way you wantit the remove as much speed as you can a possible from to go, and slow down. collision. Then steer around problem, to the left or the right depending on space available. the Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should adjust your speed. course, the posted speeds are Of based on good weather and road conditions. Under less favorable cc litions you'll want to go slower. ~~ If you need to. reduce your speed as you approach a the front curve, do it before you enter curve, while your wheels are straight ahead. Try to adjust your speed you can "drive" through the so curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to accelerate until you are of the curve, and then out accelerate gently into the straightaway. 4-11