1996 Pontiac Grand Am Owner's Manual - Page 159

Suppose you're steering through a sharp curve. Then you suddenly accelerate. Both control systems -- steering and acceleration have to do -their work where the tires meet the road. Unless you have the Enhanced Traction System and the system is o n , adding the sudden acceleration can demand too much of those places.You can lose control. Steering in Emergencies 1 There are times when steering can be more effective than braking. For example, you come over a hill and find a truck stopped in your or a car suddenly pulls lane, out from nowhere, or a child darts from between out parked cars and stops right in front of you. You can avoid these problems braking -- if you can stop by in What should you do this ever happens? Easeup on the if time. But sometimes you can't; there isn't room. That's accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you it want the time for evasive action steering around the -to go, and slow down. problem. Speed limit signs near curves warn that you'should in Your Pontiac can perform very well emergencies like adjust your speed.Of course, the posted spe,eds are these. First apply your brakes. (See "Braking in based on good weather and conditions. Under less road Emergencies" earlierin this section.) It is better to favorable conditions you'll want go slower. to remove as much speed as you can a possible from collision. Then steer around the problem, to theleft or If you need toreduce your speed as you approach a right depending on the space available. curve, do it before you enter the curve, while your front wheels are straight ahead. 1 : Try to adjust your speed you can "drive" through the so curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. to Wait accelerate untilyou are outof the curve,and then accelerate gently into the straightaway. 4-11