1998 Buick LeSabre Owner's Manual - Page 185

Experienced driver or beginner, each us is subject to of the same lawsof physics when driving on curves. The traction of the tires against the road surface makes it possible for the vehicle to change its path when turn you the front wheels. there's no traction, inertia will keep If the vehicle going in the same direction.you've ever If tried to steera vehicle on wet ice, you'll understand this. The traction you can get in a curve depends on the condition of your tires andthe 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. Adding the sudden acceleration demand too can much of those places. You can lose control.Refer to "Traction Control" in the Index. What should you do if this ever happens? Ease on the up accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the you want it way to go, and slow down. Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should adjust your speed.Of course, the posted speeds are based on good weather and road conditions. Under less favorable conditions you'llwant to go slower. If you need to reduceyour 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 untilyou are outof 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 car suddenly pulls out a from nowhere, or a child darts out from between parked cars and stops right in front you. You can avoid these of 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 vehicle can performvery well in emergencies like these. First apply your brakes. (See "Braking in Emergencies" earlier in this section.) isbetter to It remove as much speed as you can from a possible collision. Then steer around the problem, to the left or right depending on the space available. 4-11