1993 Chevrolet Lumina Owner's Manual - Page 135

Steering in Emergencies There are times when steering can be more effectivethan braking. For example, you come over a hill and find a a truck stoppedin your lane, or car suddenly pullsout from nowhere, or a child darts out from between parked cars and stops right in frontof you. You can avoid these problems braking-if by you can stop in time. But sometimes you can't; there isn't room. That's the time for evasive action-steering around the problem. Your Chevrolet can perform very well in emergencies like these. First apply your brakes- but unless you have anti-lock, not enough to lock your wheels.It is Depending on your speed, this can be better to remove as much speed as you can from a possible collision. Then steer rather violent for an unprepared driver. around the problem, to theleft or right This isone of the reasons driving experts recommend that you use your depending on the space available. safety belts and keep both hands on the An emergency likethis requires close steering wheel. attention and a quick decision.If you are holding the steering wheelat the The fact that such emergency situations to recommended 9 and 3 o'clock positions, are always possible is a good reason practice defensive driving all times. at you can turn it a full 180 degrees very quickly without removing either hand. But you haveto act fast, steer quickly, and just as quickly straighten the wheel once you have avoidedthe object. You must then be preparedto steer backto your original laneand then brake to a controlled stop.