1997 Chevrolet Corvette Owner's Manual - Page 190

Braking in Emergencies With anti-lock, you can steer and brake at the same time. In many emergencies, steering can help you more than even the very bestbraking. Steering Power Steering If you lose power steering assist because the engine stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but it will take muchmore effort. Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to the samelaws of 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 you turn the front wheels. If there's no traction, inertia willkeep the vehicle going in the same direction. If you've ever tried to steer vehicle on wet ice, you'll understand this. a The traction you can getin a curvedepends on the condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle at which the curveis banked, and yourspeed. While you're in a curve, speed the one factor you can control. is Suppose you're steering through sharp curve. Then you a 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. Referto "Traction Control System"in the Index. What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up 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, the posted speeds are based on good weather and road conditions. Under less favorable conditionsyou'll want to go slower. Steering Tips Driving on Curves It's important to take curves at a reasonable speed. A lotof the "driver lost control" accidents mentioned on the newshappen on curves. Here's why: 4-11