1998 Chevrolet Astro Owner's Manual - Page 193

Steering Tips Driving onCurves It's important to take curves at a reasonable speed. j A lot of the "driver lost control" accidents mentioned on the news happen on curves. Here's why: Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to the same laws 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 will keep the vehicle going in 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 curveis banked, and your speed. While you're in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control. 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. Addingthe sudden acceleration can demand too much of those places. You can lose control. 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 conditions you'll want to go slower. If you need to reduce your speed as you approach a curve, do itbefore you enter the curve, while your front wheels are straight ahead. Try to adjust your speed so you can "drive" through the curve. Maintain a 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, ora 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 perform very well in emergencies like these. First apply your brakes. (See "Braking in Emergencies" earlier in this section.) It isbetter to remove as much speed as you can froma possible collision. Then steer around the problem, to the left or right depending on the space available. 4-9