1996 Buick Regal Owner's Manual - Page 161

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 the vehicle to change path when you turn its the front wheels.If there's no traction, inertiawill keep the vehicle goingin the same direction.If you've ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you'll 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 theone factor you can control. Suppose you're steering througha sharp curve. Then you suddenly accelerate. Both control systems-- steering and acceleration -- have to do their work where the tires meet the road. Addingthe sudden acceleration can demand too much of those places.You can lose control. up What should you do if this ever happens? Ease on the accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you want it 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 conditions you'llwant to go slower. If you need to reduce your speed as you approach a curve, do it before you enter the curve, while your front wheels are straight ahead. Try to adjust your speed so you can "drive" through the curve. Maintaina reasonable, steady speed. Wait to accelerate until you are out of the curve, and then accelerate gently into the straightaway. 'Steering in Emergencies 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 lane,or a car suddenly pulls out from nowhere, or a child darts out from between parked cars and stops right in front of you. can avoid these You problems by braking -- if you can stop in time. But sometimes you can't; there isn't room. That's the time for evasive action -- steering around the problem. Your Buick can perform very well in emergencies like these. First apply your brakes. (See "Braking in Emergencies" earlier in this section.) It is better to remove as much speed as you can from a possible collision. Then steer around the problem, to the left or right depending onthe space available.