1994 Pontiac Firebird Owner's Manual - Page 133

Your Driving andthe Road Braking in Emergencies Use your anti-lock braking system when you need to. With anti-lock, you can steer and brake at the same time. In many emergencies, steering can help you more than even the very best braking. no traction, inertia will keep the vehicle going in the same direction. If you've ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you'll understand this. The traction you can getin a curve depends onthe condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is banked, and your speed. Steering While you're in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control. Power Steering If you lose power steering assist because Suppose you're steering through a sharp curve. Then you suddenly accelerate. the engine stops or the system is not Both control systems - steering and functioning, you can steer but it will acceleration -have to do their work take much more effort. where the tires meet the road. Unless you have traction control and the system is Steering Tips on, adding the sudden acceleration can demand too much of those places. You Driving on Curves can lose control. It's important to take curves at a What should youdo if this ever happens? reasonable speed. Ease up on the accelerator pedal, steer the A lot of the "driver lost control" accidents mentioned on the news happen on curves. vehicle the way you want it to go, and slow down. Here's why: Speed limit signs near curves warn that Experienced driver or beginner, each of you should adjust your speed. Of course, us is subject to the same laws of physics the posted speeds are based on good when driving on curves. The traction of the tires against the road surface makes it weather and road conditions. Under less possible for the vehicle to change its path favorable conditions you'll want to go when you turn the front wheels. If there's slower. [f you need to reduce your speed as you approach a curve,do it before you enter the curve, while your front wheels are straight ahead. Try to adjust your speed so you can "drive" through the curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed.Wait to accelerate until youare out of the curve, and then accelerate gently into the straightaway. . . ,132