1996 Buick Century Owner's Manual - Page 139

Steering Tips Driving on Curves It's important totake curves at a reasonable speed. lot of the "driver lost control" accidents mentioned on the news happen on curves. Here's why: H 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. Adding the sudden acceleration can demand too much of those places. You can lose control. What should you do if this everhappens? Ease up on the accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle way you want it the to go, and slow down. Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should adjust your speed. Of course, theposted speeds are based on good weather and road conditions. Under less favorable conditionsyou'll want to go slower. If you need to reduce your speed as you approach a curve, do itbefore you enter the curve, whileyour front wheels are straight ahead. Try to adjustyour speed so you can "drive" through the curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to accelerate until you are outof the curve, and then accelerate gently into the straightaway. Experienced driver orbeginner, each of us is subject to the same laws of physics when driving on curves. The traction of the tires against theroad surface makes it possible for thevehicle to change its path when you turn the front wheels. If there's no traction, inertia will keep the vehicle going in the same direction. If you've ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, YOU'^^ understand this. The traction you can get in a curve depends on the condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is banked, and your speed. While you're in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control. 4-9