Try to adjust your speed so you can drive through thecurve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Waitto accelerate until you are out of the curve, and thenaccelerate gently into the straightaway.To help you steer in the direction you want to go, duringcertain sharp or sudden cornering maneuvers, gearselection is controlled. This will maximize the availabledrive wheel torque and minimize the transmissionresponse time and shift activity. During this kind ofmaneuver, the transmission shifts automaticallyas vehicle speed changes.Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affectyour vehicle’s performance. See Accessories andModifications on page 5-3.Steering in EmergenciesThere are times when steering can be more effectivethan braking. For example, you come over a hill and finda truck 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 cannot; there is not room. That is the timefor evasive action — steering around the problem.Your vehicle can perform very well in emergencies likethese. First apply the brakes. See Braking onpage 4-4. It is better to remove as much speed as youcan from a possible collision. Then steer around theproblem, to the left or right depending on the spaceavailable.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, youcan turn it a full 180 degrees very quickly withoutremoving either hand. But you have to act fast, steerquickly, and just as quickly straighten the wheelonce you have avoided the object.The fact that such emergency situations are alwayspossible is a good reason to practice defensive drivingat all times and wear safety belts properly.4-15
