Try to adjust your speed so you can “drive”through the curve. Maintain a reasonable, steadyspeed. Wait to accelerate until you are out ofthe curve, and then accelerate gently intothe straightaway.Adding non-GM accessories can affect yourvehicle’s performance. See Accessories andModifications on page 347.Steering in EmergenciesThere are times when steering can be moreeffective than braking. For example, you comeover a hill and find a truck stopped in your lane, ora car suddenly pulls out from nowhere, or achild darts out from between parked cars andstops right in front of you. You can avoid theseproblems by braking — if you can stop in time. Butsometimes you cannot; there is not room. Thatis the time for evasive action — steering aroundthe problem.Your vehicle can perform very well in emergencieslike these. First, apply the brakes. See Brakingon page 278. It is better to remove as much speedas you can from a possible collision. Then steeraround the problem, to the left or right dependingon the space available.An emergency like this requires close attentionand a quick decision. If you are holding thesteering wheel at the recommended 9 and3 o’clock positions, you can turn it a full180 degrees very quickly without removing eitherhand. But you have to act fast, steer quickly,and just as quickly straighten the wheel once youhave avoided the object.The fact that such emergency situations arealways possible is a good reason to practicedefensive driving at all times and wear safety beltsproperly.286
