1998 Chevrolet Blazer Owner's Manual - Page 195

Loss of Control Let's review what driving experts say about what happens when thethree control systems (brakes, steering and acceleration) don't have enoughfriction where the tires meet the road to dowhat the driver has asked. In any emergency, don't give up. Keep trying to steer and constantly seekan escape route or area of less danger. If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the accelerator pedal and quicklysteer the way you want the vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough, your vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready for a second skid if it occurs. Skidding In a slud, a driver can lose control the vehicle. of Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable care suited to existing conditions, and by not "overdriving" those conditions. But skids are always possible. The three types of skids correspond to your vehicle's three control systems. In the braking skid, your wheels aren't rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too much speed or steering in a curve causes tiresto slip and lose cornering force. And in the acceleration skid, too much throttle causes the driving wheels spin. to A cornering skid and an acceleration skid best are handled by easing yourfoot off the accelerator pedal. Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice, gravel or other material is on the road. For safety, you'll want to slow down andadjust your driving to these conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery surfaces because stopping distance will longer and be vehicle control more limited. While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration or braking (including engine braking shifting to a lower by gear). Any sudden changes could cause the tiresto slide. You may not realize the surface is slippery until your vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning clues -- such as enough water,ice or packed snow on the road to make a "mirrored surface" -- and slow down when you have any doubt. Remember: Any anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps avoid onlythe braking skid. 4-13