1997 Pontiac Grand Prix Owner's Manual - Page 209

Loss of Control Let's review what driving 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 seekan escape route or area of less danger. If you do not have theTrac System, orif the system is off, then an acceleration skid isalso best handled by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal. If your vehicle starts to slide, easeyour foot off the accelerator pedal and quickly steerthe way you want the vehicle to go. you start..steeringquickly enough, your If vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready for a second slud if it occurs. Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow,ice, gravel orother 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. r While driving on a surface with reduced traction, t y 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 or packed snow on the road to 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. Skidding In a skid, a driver can lose controlof 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 Pontiac's three control systems. In the braking skid, your wheels aren't rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and lose cornering force. And in the acceleration skid, too much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin. A cornering skid is best handled by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal. If you have the Trac System,remember: It helps avoid only the acceleration skid. 4-15