Steering in Emergencies
There are times when steering can be more
effective than braking. For example, you come
over a hill and nd 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 cannot; there is not room. That
is the time for evasive action — steering around
the problem.
Your vehicle can perform very well in emergencies
like these. First apply your brakes.
SeeBraking on page 288. 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.
296
Instrument Panel
Overview.................................................. 148
Instrument Panel (I/P)
Brightness................................................ 161
Cluster..................................................... 172
J
Jump Starting.............................................. 368
K
Keyless Entry System................................... 96
Keys............................................................. 95
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall................................. 383
Lamps
Battery Run-Down Protection................... 163
Cargo...................................................... 162
Dome....................................................... 161
Electric Power Management..................... 162Lamps (cont.)
Fog .......................................................... 160
Map ......................................................... 162
LATCH System
Child Restraints......................................... 57
License Plate Lamps................................... 380
Liftgate........................................................ 107
Light
Airbag Readiness..................................... 174
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning............. 180
Battery Warning....................................... 178
Brake System Warning............................. 178
Change Engine Oil................................... 187
Cruise Control.......................................... 188
Door Ajar................................................. 190
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning....... 181
Fog Lamp................................................ 188
Gate Ajar................................................. 190
Highbeam On.......................................... 189
Low Fuel Warning.................................... 192
Malfunction Indicator................................ 183
Oil Pressure............................................. 186
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator............ 175
484
