1998 Chevrolet Express Van Owner's Manual - Page 173

Steering in Emergencies There are times when steeringcan be more effective than brakmg. For example, you come over a hill and find a truck stopped in your lane,or a car suddenly pulls out from nowhere, or a child darts out from between parked cars and stops right in front you. You can avoid these of problems by braking-- if 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 vehicle can perform very well in emergencies like these. First apply your brakes. (See "Braking in Emergencies" earlier in this section.) It is better to remove as much speed as you can from a possible collision. Then steer around the problem, to the left or right depending on the space available. An emergency like this requires close attention and a quick decision. If you are holding the steering wheel at the recommended 9 and 3 o'clock positions, you can turn it afull 180 degrees very quickly without removing either hand. But you have act fast, steer quickly, and to just as quickly straighten the wheel once you have avoided theobject. The fact that such emergency situations are always possible is a good reason to practice defensive driving at all times and wear safety belts properly. 4-10