1998 Buick Riviera Owner's Manual

Steering in EmergenciesThere are times when steering can be more effectivethan braking. For example, you come over a hill andfind a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pullsout from nowhere, or a child darts out from betweenparked cars and stops right in front of you. You canavoid these problems by braking -- if you can stop intime. But sometimes you can’t; there isn’t room. That’sthe time for evasive action -- steering aroundthe problem.Your vehicle can perform very well in emergencies likethese. First apply your brakes. (See “BrakingEmergencies” earlier in this section.) It is better toremove as much speed as you can from a possiblecollision. Then steer around the problem, to the left orright depending on the space available.An emergency like this requires close attention and aquick decision. If you are holding the steering wheel atthe recornended 9 and 3 o’clock positions, you canturn it a full 180 degrees very quickly without removingeither hand. But you have to act fast, steer quickly, andjust as quickly straighten the wheel once you haveavoided the object.The fact that such emergency situations are alwayspossible is a good reason to practice defensive drivingall times and wear safety belts properly.4-11