1996 Buick Century Owner's Manual

Steering in EmergenciesThere are times when steering can be more effective thanbraking. For example, you come over a hill and fmd atruck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls outfrom nowhere, or a child darts out from between parkedcars and stops right in front of you. You can avoid theseproblems by braking -- if you can stop in time. Butsometimes you can’t; there isn’t room. That’s the time forevasive action -- steering .around the problem.Your Buick can perform very well in emergencies likethese. First apply your brakes. (See“Braking inEmergencies” 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 recommended 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 driving atall times and wear safety belts properly.4-10