2009 Pontiac Torrent Owner's Manual - Page 257

Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice, gravel, or other material is on the road. For safety, 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 reducing vehicle speed by shifting to a lower gear. Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide. You may not realize the surface is slippery until the 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 Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps avoid only the braking skid. Night driving tips include: • Drive defensively. • Do not drink and drive. • Reduce headlamp glare by adjusting the inside rearview mirror. • Slow down and keep more space between you and other vehicles because headlamps can only light up so much road ahead. Watch for animals. When tired, pull off the road. Do not wear sunglasses. Avoid staring directly into approaching headlamps. Driving at Night Night driving is more dangerous than day driving because some drivers are likely to be impaired - by alcohol or drugs, with night vision problems, or by fatigue. Keep the windshield and all glass on your vehicle clean - inside and out. • Keep your eyes moving, especially during turns or curves. No one can see as well at night as in the daytime. But, as we get older, these differences increase. A 50-year-old driver might need at least twice as much light to see the same thing at night as a 20-year-old. 4-13