1995 Cadillac DeVille Owner's Manual - Page 208

0 Don't overtake a slowlymoving vehicle too rapidly. Even though the turn, brake lamps are notflashing, it may be slowing down or starting to 0 If you're being passed, make it easv for the following driver to get ahead of you. Perhaps you can easi a little to the right. LOSS OF CONTROL Let's review what driving experts sav about what happens when the three control svstems (brakes, steeringan> acceleration) don't have enough friction where the tires meet the road to do the driver has asked. what In any emergency, don't give up. Keep trying to steer and constantly seek an escape route or area of less danger. In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle. Defensive drivers avoid existing conditions, and by most skids by taking reasonable care suited to not "overdriving" those conditions. But skids are always possible. The three types of skids correspond t o your Cadillac's three control systems. In the braking skid your wheels aren't rolling. In the steering or in to cornering skid, toomuch speed or steering a curve causes tires slip and lose cornering force. Andin the acceleration skid too much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin. A cornering skid is best handled by easing your footoff the accelerator pedal. Remember: Any traction control system helps avoid only acceleration skid. the If your traction controlsystem is off?then an acceleration skid is also best handled by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal. 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. Of course, traction reduced when water, snow, ice, gravel, or other is material is on the road. Forsafety, you'll want to slow down and adjust your driving to these conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and vehicle control more limited. 4-15