Loss
of
Control
Let’s review what driving experts say 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.
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.
The three types
of skids correspond to your vehicle’s
three control systems. In the braking skid, your wheels
aren’t rolling. In the steering or cornering skid,
too
much speed or steering in a curve causes tires
to
slip and lose cornering force. And in the acceleration
skid, too much throttle causes the driving wheels
to
spin.
A cornering skid is best handled by easing your foot off
the accelerator pedal.
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
to slow
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 cause the 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.
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