8-7Of course, traction is reduced whenwater, snow, ice, gravel, or othermaterial is on the road. For safety,slow down and adjust your driving tothese conditions. It is important toslow down on slippery surfacesbecause stopping distance is longerand vehicle control more limited.While driving on a surface withreduced traction, try your best toavoid sudden steering, acceleration,or braking, including reducing vehiclespeed by shifting to a lower gear.Any sudden changes could causethe tires to slide. You might notrealize the surface is slippery untilthe vehicle is skidding. Learn torecognize warning clues — such asenough water, ice, or packed snowon the road to make a mirroredsurface — and slow down when youhave any doubt.Remember: Any Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS) helps avoid only thebraking skid.Driving on Wet RoadsRain and wet roads can reducevehicle traction and affect your abilityto stop and accelerate. Always driveslower in these types of drivingconditions and avoid driving throughlarge puddles and deep-standing orflowing water.{ WARNINGWet brakes can cause crashes.They might not work as well in aquick stop and could cause pullingto one side. You could lose controlof the vehicle.After driving through a largepuddle of water or a car/vehiclewash, lightly apply the brake pedaluntil the brakes work normally.(Continued)HydroplaningHydroplaning is dangerous. Watercan build up under your vehicle'stires so they actually ride on thewater. This can happen if the road iswet enough and you are going fastenough. When your vehicle ishydroplaning, it has little or nocontact with the road.There is no hard and fast rule abouthydroplaning. The best advice is toslow down when the road is wet.Flowing or rushing water createsstrong forces. Driving throughflowing water could cause yourvehicle to be carried away. If thishappens, you and other vehicleoccupants could drown. Do notignore police warnings and bevery cautious about trying to drivethrough flowing water.{ WARNING (Continued)srx.book Page 7 Monday, June 8, 2009 8:28 AM
