Loss of ControlLet us review what driving experts say about whathappens when the three control systems (brakes,steering and acceleration) do not have enough frictionwhere the tires meet the road to do what the driverhas asked.In any emergency, do not give up. Keep trying to steerand constantly seek an escape route or area of lessdanger.SkiddingIn a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonablecare suited to existing conditions, and by not“overdriving” those conditions. But skids are alwayspossible.The three types of skids correspond to your vehicle’sthree control systems. In the braking skid, your wheelsare not rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too muchspeed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and losecornering force. And in the acceleration skid, too muchthrottle causes the driving wheels to spin.A cornering skid is best handled by easing your foot offthe accelerator pedal.Remember: Any traction control system helps avoid onlythe acceleration skid. If your traction control system isoff, then an acceleration skid is also best handledby easing your foot off the accelerator pedal.If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off theaccelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you wantthe vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough,your vehicle may straighten out. Always be readyfor a second skid if it occurs.If you have Stabilitrak®, you may see the STABILITYSYS ENGAGED message on the Driver InformationCenter. See “Stability Sys Engaged Message” under DICWarnings and Messages on page 3-62.Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,gravel or other material is on the road. For safety,you will want to slow down and adjust your driving tothese conditions. It is important to slow down on slipperysurfaces because stopping distance will be longer andvehicle control more limited.4-15
