4-14Steering in EmergenciesThere are times when steering can be more effectivethan braking. For example, you come over a hill andfind a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenlypulls out from nowhere, or a child darts out frombetween parked cars and stops right in front of you.You can avoid these problems by braking -- if you canstop in time. But sometimes you can’t; there isn’t room.That’s the time for evasive action -- steering aroundthe problem.Your vehicle can perform very well in emergencieslike these. 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 leftor right 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.
