1995 Oldsmobile Achieva Owner's Manual - Page 156

Loss of Control Let's review what driving expertssay about what happens when the three control systems (brakes, steering and acceleration) don't have enough friction where the tires meet the road to do what the driver has asked. In any emergency, don't give up. Keep trying to steer and constantly seek an escape route or area of less danger. 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 be ready 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 your driving to these conditions. It is important toslow down on slippery surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and 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 by shifting to a lower gear). Any sudden changes could causethe tires to 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 only the braking skid. Skidding In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle. Defensive driversavoid 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 Oldsmobile's three control systems. In the braking skid your wheels aren't rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, toomuch speed or steering in a curvecauses tires to slip and lose cornering force. And in the acceleration skid too much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin. A cornering skid and an acceleration skid are best handled by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal. 4-12