Steering
in
Emergencies
There are times when steering can be more effective
than braking. For example, you come over a hill and
find a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls
out from nowhere, or a child darts out from between
parked cars and stops right in front
of
you. You can
avoid these problems by braking
--
if
you can stop in
time. But sometimes
you
can’t; there isn’t room. That’s
the time for evasive action
--
steering around
the problem.
Your vehicle can perform very well
in
emergencies like
these. First apply your brakes. (See “Braking in
Emergencies” earlier in this section.) It is better to
remove as much speed as you can from a possible
collision. Then steer around the problem,
to
the
left or
right depending
on
the space available.
An
emergency like this requires close attention and a
quick decision.
If
you are holding the steering wheel at
the recommended
9
and
3
o’clock positions, you can
turn it a full
180
degrees very quickly without removing
either hand. But you have to act fast, steer quickly, and
just as quickly straighten the wheel once you have
avoided the object.
The fact that such emergency situations are always
possible is a good reason to practice defensive driving at
all times and wear safety belts properly.
4-10
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