1994 Chevrolet Astro Owner's Manual - Page 162

Steering Tips Driving on Curves It's important to take curves ata reasonable speed. A lot of the "driver lost control" accidents mentioned onthe news happen on curves. Here's why: Experienced driver or beginner, eachof us is subject to the same laws of physics when driving on curves. The traction of the tires against the road surface makes it possible for the vehicleto change its path when you turn the front wheels. If 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 conditionof your tires and the road surface, the angle at which thecurve is banked, and your speed. While you're in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control. Suppose you're steering througha 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 losecontrol. What should youdo if this ever happens? Ease up on theaccelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you want it to go, and slow down. Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should adjust yo1 speed. Of course, the posted speeds are based on good weather and conditions. roaa Under less favorable conditions you'll want togo slower. If you need to reduce your speed as you approach curve, do it before you a enter the curve, while yourfront 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. Steering in Emergencies There are times when steering can be more effective than braking. For example, you come over a hill andfind a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls out from nowhere,or achild darts out from between parked cars and stops right in front of you. You can avoid these problems by braking - if you can stop in time. But sometimesyou can't; there isn't room. That'sthe time for evasive action - steering around the problem. Your vehicle can perform very wellin emergencies like these. First apply your brakes. It is better to remove as much speed as you can from possible a collision. Then steer around the problem, to the left or right depending on the space available. 4-8