1995 Pontiac Grand Prix Owner's Manual - Page 153

Suppose you're steering through sharp curve. a Then you suddenly applythe brakes. Both control systems -- steering and braking-- have to do their work where the tires meet the road. Unless you have four-wheel anti-lock brakes, adding the hard braking can demand too much of those places. can lose control. You The same thing can happen you're steering through a if sharp curve and you suddenly accelerate. Those two control systems -- steering and acceleration-- can overwhelm those places where the tires meet the road and make you lose control. Steering in Emergencies There are times when steering can more effective be hill than braking. For example, you come over a and find a truck stopped your lane,or a car suddenly pulls in out from nowhere, or a child darts out from between parked cars and stops right front of you. You can in avoid these problems by braking if you can stop -in time. But sometimes you can't; there isn't room. That's the timefor evasive action-- steering around the problem. Your Pontiac can perform very well in emergencies like What should you if this ever happens? Ease up the do on -these. First apply your brakes but, unless you have brake or accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you anti-lock, not enough to lock your wheels. (See want it to go, and slow down. "Braking in Emergencies" earlier in section.) It is this better to remove as much speed as you can from a Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should possible collision. Then steer around the problem, to the adjust your speed. course, the posted speeds are Of based on good weather and road conditions. Under less left or right dependingon the space available. favorable conditions you'll want to slower. go An emergencylike this requires close attention and a quick decision.If you are holding the steering wheel at If you need to reduce your speed as you approach a the recommended9 and 3 o'clock positions, you can curve, do itbefore you enter the curve, while your front turn it a full 180 degrees very quickly without removing wheels are straight ahead. either hand. But you have to act fast, steer quickly, and so Try to adjust your speed you can "drive" through the just as quickly straighten the wheel once have you curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to avoided the object. accelerate until you are out of the curve, and then accelerate gentlyinto the straightaway. 4-10