1997 Pontiac Trans Sport Owner's Manual - Page 258

Braking in Emergencies With anti-lock, you can steer and brake at same the time. In many emergencies, steering can help you more than even the very best braking. The traction you can getin a curve depends on the condition of your tiresand the road surface, the angle at which the curveis banked, and your speed. While you're in a curve, speed is the factor you can control. one Suppose you're steering througha sharp curve. Then you suddenlyaccelerate. Both control systems -- steering and acceleration -- have to do their work wherethe tires meet the road. Adding the sudden acceleration can dernand too much those of places. You can lose control. What should you if this ever happens? Ease up on the do accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you want it to go, and slow down. Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should adjust your speed. Of course, the posted speedsare based on good weather road conditions. Under less and favorable conditions you'll want to go slower. Steering Power Steering If you lose power steering assist because engine the stops or the systemis not functioning, you can steer but it will take much more effort. Steering Tips Driving on Curves It's importantto take curves at a reasonable speed. A lot of the "driver lost control" accidents mentioned on the news happen on curves. Here's why: Experienced driver or beginner, eachof us is subject to the same lawsof physics when driving on curves. The traction of the tires against the road surface makes it possible for thevehicle to change its path when you turn the front wheels. If there's 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. If you need to reduce your speed as approach a YOU curve, do it before you enter the curve, while your front wheels are straight ahead. Try to adjust your speed you can "drive" through so the curve. Maintaina reasonable, steady speed. Wait to accelerate until you are out of the curver 2nd then accelerate gently into the straightaway.