1996 Chevrolet Corvette Owner's Manual - Page 175

Loss of Control Let's review whatdriving experts say about what happens when the three control systems (brakes, steering and acceleration) don'thave enough friction wherethe tires meet the road to what the driver has asked. ,do In any emergency, don't give up. Keep trying to steer and constantly seek an escape route or area of less danger. If your ASR system is off, then an acceleration skid is also best handled by easing your foot the off accelerator pedal. If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the way accelerator pedal and quickly steer the 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 is reduced when water, snow, ice, gravel or other material is on the road. For safety, you'll Skidding want to slow down and adjust your driving to these In a skid, a driver lose control of the vehicle. can conditions. It is important to slow down slippery on Defensive drivers avoid most skids taking reasonable by surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and care suited to existing conditions, and by not "overdriving" vehicle control more limited. those conditions. But skids always possible. are While drivingon a surface with reduced traction,r your ty The three types of skids correspond to your Corvette's best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration or braking three control systems. In the braking skid, your wheels (including engine braking shifting to a lower gear). by aren't rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide. You much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and may not realize the surface slippery until your vehicle is lose cornering force. And in the acceleration skid, too is skidding. Learn to recognize warning clues such as -much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin. enough water, ice or packed snow on the road to make a A cornering skid is best handled by easing your foot off "mirrored surface" -- and slow down when you have the accelerator pedal. any doubt. Remember: Any ASR system helps avoid only the acceleration skid. Remember: Any anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps avoid only the braking skid. 4-14