1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Owner's Manual - Page 194

Loss of Control Let's review what driving experts say about what happens when the three control systems (brakes, steering and acceleration) don't have enoughfriction where the tires meet the road to dowhat the driver hasasked. In anyemergency, don't giveup. Keep trying to steer and constantly seek an escape route or area of less danger. If you do not have the EnhancedTraction System, orif the transaxle shift lever isnot in the OVERDRIVE (0) position, then an acceleration skid is alsobest handled by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal. If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want the vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough, your vehicle may straighten out. Always beready for a second skid if it occurs. 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 and adjust yourdriving to these conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery surfaces because stopping distancewill be longer and vehicle control more limited. While driving on surface with reduced traction, try a your best to avoid sudden steering,acceleration or braking (including engine brakingby shifting to a lower gear). Any sudden changes could cause the to tires slide. You may not realize the surface isslippery until your vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning clues -- such asenough water, ice orpacked 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 only the braking skid. Skidding In a skid, a driver can lose control the vehicle. of Defensive drivers avoid most skids taking reasonable by care suited to existing conditions, andby not "overdriving" those conditions. But skidsare always possible. The threetypes of skids correspond to your vehicle's three controlsystems. In the braking skid, yourwheels aren't rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too much speed or steering in a curve causestires to slip and lose corneringforce. And in the acceleration skid, too much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin, A cornering skidis best handled by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal. If you have theEnhanced Traction System, remember:It helps avoid only the acceleration skid. 4-14