1995 GMC Jimmy Owner's Manual - Page 165

Loss of Control Let's review whatdriving 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 to dowhat the driver has asked. In any emergency, don't give up. Keep trying to steer and constantly seek an escape route or area of less danger. In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle. Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable care suited to existing conditions, 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 steering or cornering the skid, too much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and lose cornering force. And in theacceleration skid too much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin. A cornering skid and an acceleration skid are best handled by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal. If your vehicle starts to slide, easeyour foot off the accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want vehicle to go. If you start steering the 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 want to slow down and adjust your driving to these conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and vehicle control more limited. While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration, or braking (including engine braking by shifting to a lower gear). Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide. You may not realize the surface is slippery until your vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning clues - such as enough water, ice orpacked snow on the roadto make a "mirrored surface" - and slow down when you have any doubt. Remember: Any anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps avoid only the braking skid. 4- 11