1995 Chevrolet Blazer Owner's Manual - Page 165

Loss of Control Let's review what driving experts say about what happens when the three control systems (brakes, steering and acceleration) don't have enough friction where the tires meet the road do what thedriver has asked. to In any emergency, don't giveup. Keep trying tosteer and constantly seekan escape route or area of less danger. Skidding In a skid, a driver can lose control the vehicle. Defensive drivers avoid of most skids by taking reasonable care suited to existingconditions, and by not "overdriving" those conditions. But skids are always possible. The three types of skids correspond to your vehicle's three control systems. In the braking skid your wheels aren't rolling. In the steeringor cornering skid, too much speedor steering in a curve causes tires to and lose slip cornering force. And in the acceleration skid too much throttle causes the driving wheels tospin. A cornering skid andan acceleration skid are best handled easing your by foot off the accelerator pedal. If your vehiclestarts to slide, ease your foot off the accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want the vehicle togo. If you start steering quickly enough, your vehiclemay straighten out. Always be readyfor a second skidif it occurs. ice, or Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, gravel, other material is on the road. For safety, you'll wantslow down and adjust your to driving to theseconditions. It is important to slow down slippery on surfaces because stopping distance will longer and vehicle control more be limited. While driving ona surface with reduced traction, try your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration, or braking (includingengine braking by shifting toa lower gear). Any sudden changes could cause the to slide. tires You may not realize the surface slippery until your vehicle skidding. is is Learn to recognize warning clues- such asenough water, ice or packed snow on the road to make "mirrored surface" - and slow down when you a have any doubt. Remember: Any anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps avoid only the braking skid. 4-11