1998 Buick Riviera Owner's Manual

Loss of ControlLet’s review what driving experts say about whathappens when the three control systems (brakes, steeringand acceleration) don’t have enough friction where thetires meet the road to do what the driver has asked.In any emergency, don’t give up. Keep tqmg to steer andconstantly seek an escape route or area of less danger.SkiddingIn a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonablecare suited to existing conditions, and not by“overdriving” those conditions. But skids arealways possible.If you do not have traction control, or if the system isoff, then an acceleration skid is also best handled byeasing your foot off the accelerator pedal.If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your off foot the.accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want thevehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough, yourvehicle may straighten out. Always be ready for asecond skid if it occurs.Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,gravel or other material is on the road. For safety, you’llwant to slow down and adjust your driving to theseconditions. It is important to slow down on slipperysurfaces because stopping distance will be longer andvehicle control more limited.While driving on a surface with reduced traction, tryyour best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration orbraking (including engine braking by shifting to a lowergear). Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide.You may not realize the surface is slippery until yourThe three types of skids correspond to your vehicle’sthree control systems. In the braking skid, your wheelsaren’t rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, toomuch speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip andlose cornering force. And in the acceleration skid, toovehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warningmuch throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.clues -- such as enough water, ice or packed snow onA cornering skid is best handled by easing your foot off the road to make a “mirrored surface” -- and slowthe accelerator pedal.down when you have any doubt.If you have the traction control system, remember: It Remember: Any anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps’ helps avoid only the acceleration skid.avoid only the braking skid.4-14