1994 Pontiac Trans Sport Owner's Manual - Page 159

Your Driving and the Road Skidding In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle. Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable care suited to existing conditions, and by not "overdriving" those conditions. But skids are always possible. 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 to slow down The three types of skids correspond .to on slippery surfaces because stopping your Pontiac's three control systems.In the distance will be longer and vehicle braking skid your wheels aren't rolling. In control more limited. the steering or cornering slud, much too speed or steering in a curve causes tires While driving on a surface with reduced to slip and lose cornering force. And in the traction, try your best to avoid sudden acceleration skid too much throttle causes steering, acceleration, or braking (including engine braking.by shifting to a the driving wheels to spin. lower gear). Any sudden changes could A cornering skid is best handled by cause the tires to slide. You may not easing your foot off the accelerator pedal. realize the surface is slippery until your If you have the traction control system, vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize remember: It helps avoid only the warning clues -- such as enough water, acceleration skid. If you do not have ice or packed snow on the road to make a traction control, or if the system is off, "mirrored surface" -- and slow down then an acceleration skid is also best when you have any doubt. handled by easing your foot off the Remember: Any anti-lock braking system accelerator pedal. (ABS) helps avoid only the braking skid. If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want the vehicle to go. Driving at Night \Tight driving is more dangerous than day hiving. One reason is that some drivers r e likely to be impaired -- by alcohol or lrugs, with night vision problems, or by atigue. -€ereare some tips on night driving. D Drive defensively. Don't drink and drive. Adjust your inside rearview mirror to reduce the glare from headlights behind you. D D ...158