2011 Chevrolet HHR Owner's Manual - Page 264

The vehicle can perform very well in emergencies like these. First apply the brakes - but, unless the vehicle has antilock brakes, not enough to lock the wheels. See Braking on page 5‑3. It is better to remove as much speed as possible from a collision. Then steer around the problem, to the left or right depending on the space available. The fact that such emergency situations are always possible is a good reason to practice defensive driving at all times and wear safety belts properly. Off-Road Recovery The vehicle's right wheels can drop off the edge of a road onto the shoulder while driving. An emergency like this requires close attention and a quick decision. If holding the steering wheel at the recommended 9 and 3 o'clock positions, it can be turned 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. 5-14 If the level of the shoulder is only slightly below the pavement, recovery should be fairly easy. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer so that the vehicle straddles the edge of the pavement.