1996 Pontiac Bonneville Owner's Manual - Page 181

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