GMC 2003 Savana - Manual (Page 210)

Loss of Control
Let's review what driving eiperis say about what
happens when the three torilnol systems {brakes,
steering and acceleration) don’t have enoiigh friction
where Ihe tires meet the road to do what Ihe driver lias
asked.
(n any emergencv, don'l give up. Keep trying to sieer
and [instantly seek an escape route or area of
tess danger.
Skidding
In a skid, a driver can lose control of tho vehjdB^
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonabEe
care suited to existing conditions, and by rot
"ovenlriving* those conditions. But skids are alvjays
possibfei
The three types ol skids correspond to your vehicle's
three control sysiems. In the bfaklng skid, your wheels
aren't rolling In ihe steering or cornering skirl, too
much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip
and lose cornering force. And in Ihe acceleratron
skid, too much throttle causes the dfrving wheels
to SP
i H h
A cornonng skid is best handled by easing your toot aft
Etie acceteralor pedal.
If your vehicta stairts to slide, ease your foot off Ihe
□cceieratQf pedal and gufokly steer the way you want
[he vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough,
your vehicle may straighten out Always be ceady
for a second skid if it occurs.
Of course, iraction is ruduced when water, snow, fee,
gravel or Cl her material is on the ioad. For safely, you’'ll
want to slow down and adjust your driving to these
crinditmns. It IS important to slow down on slippery
surfaces because stopping distance wilt bg longer and
vehicle ccnlrol more limited.
While driving on a surface with ieduced traction, try
your best to avoid sudden steering, accetsration
or brakmg {including engine braking by shifting to a
lower gear) Any sudden changes could cause ihe tires
!o
slide. You may not reaiiie the surface is slippery
until your vehicle is skidding. Leam to recognize warning
clues — such as
enough water, I ce cir packed snow
on the road to make a "mirrored surface" — and siow
down when you have any doubt.
Remember^ Any anli-lock brake system (ABS) helps
avoid only the braking skid.
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