1998 Oldsmobile 88 Owner's Manual - Page 164

Experienced driver or beginner, eachof us is subject to the same laws of physics when driving curves. The on traction of the tires againstthe 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 goingin the same direction.If you've ever tried to steer a vehicleon wet ice, you'll understand this. If you needto reduce your speed as you approach a curve, doit before you enter the curve, while your front wheels are straight ahead. Ty to adjust your speed you can "drive" through r so the curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to accelerate until you are of the curve, and then out accelerate gentlyinto the straightaway. in The traction you can get a curve depends on the condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle at While which the curve is banked, and your speed. you're in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control. Steering in Emergencies There are times when steering can be more effective than i l braking. For example, you come overhal and find a Suppose you're steering through a sharp curve. Then you truck stoppedin your lane, or a car suddenly pulls out from nowhere, or a child darts out from between parked suddenly accelerate. Both control systems steering and -in acceleration -- have to do their work where the tires meet cars and stops right front of you. You can avoid these the road. Adding the sudden acceleration can demand too problems by braking -- if you can stopin time. But sometimes you can't; there isn't room. That's the time for much of those places. Youcan lose control. Refer to evasive action-- steering around the problem. "Traction Control" in the Index. in What should you if this ever happens? Ease up on the Your vehicle can perform very well emergencies like do these. First apply your brakes. (See "Braking in accelerator pedal, steer vehicle the way you want the it Emergencies" earlier inthis section.) It is better to to go, and slow down. remove as much speed as you can from a possible Speed limit signs nearcurves warn that you should collision. Then steer around problem, to the left or the Of adjust your speed. course, the posted speedsare right dependingon the space available. based on good weather and road conditions. Under less favorable conditions you'll want go slower. to 4-11