1998 Chevrolet Lumina Owner's Manual - Page 173

Steering in Emergencies There are times when steering can more effective be than braking. For example, you come over a and hill find a truck stoppedin your lane, or acar suddenly pulls out from nowhere, or a child darts out from between parked cars and stops right front of you. You can in avoid these problems by braking if you canstop in -time. But sometimes you can't; there isn't room. That's the timefor evasive action-- steering around the problem. Your vehicle can perform very well in emergencies like these. First apply your brakes but, unless you have -anti-lock, not enough to lock your wheels. (See "Braking in Emergencies" earlier in this section.) It is An emergency like this requires close attention and a better to remove as much speedas you can from a quick decision.If you are holding the steering wheel at possible collision. Then steer around the problem,the to the recommended 9 and 3 o'clock positions, you can left or right dependingon the space available. turn it a full 180 degrees very quickly without removing either hand. But you have to act fast, steer quickly, and just as quickly straighten the wheel once you have avoided the object. The fact that such emergency situations always are possible isa good reason to practice defensive driving at all times and wear safety belts properly. 4-11