A road that is normally safe can become
dangerous when it's slippery. Ice and packed snow on
the road can cause the car to skid, especially if you
are driving too fast or going downhill. If you do go
into a skid, ease off the gas pedal, stop braking, and
turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid.
If you can't control your car on a slippery surface,
try to find something to stop you. Try to get a wheel
on dry pavement or on the shoulder of the road. You
may have to slowly edge into a snow bank or some bushes
to stop.
To help avoid a skid on slippery surfaces:
- Drive more slowly and stay farther behind the vehicle
ahead.
- Slow down as you approach curves and intersections.
- Avoid fast turns.
- Avoid quick stops. "Pump" the brakes to
slow or stop. (Antilock brakes should not be pumped.)
- Shift to low gear before going down a steep hill.
- Avoid especially slippery areas, such as ice patches,
wet leaves, oil, or deep puddles.
If the brakes get wet, dry them by
lightly pressing the gas pedal and brake pedal at the
same time so that the car drives against the pressure
of the brakes. Do this only until the brakes begin working.
If
You Get Into An Acceleration Skid
An acceleration skid usually involves
the drive wheels and happens when the tires lose traction
on the road surface. To maintain control of the vehicle,
do not apply the brakes. Ease off the gas pedal and
straighten the front wheels as the vehicle begins to
straighten out.
If You Get
Into A Locked Wheel Skid
This type of skid is usually caused
by a person braking too hard at a high rate of speed
and locking the wheels. The vehicle will skid no matter
which way the steering wheel is turned. Take your foot
off the brake to unlock the wheels. Then straighten
the front wheels as the vehicle begins to straighten
out. Slow the vehicle gradually until you are at a safe
speed to continue your trip.
Steering
Wheel Locking Device
Never turn your vehicle's ignition
to the "lock" position while it is still in
motion. This will cause the steering to lock if you
try to turn the steering wheel and you will lose control
of your vehicle.
Drive
Defensively To Avoid Accidents
What is defensive driving? It is driving
to defend yourself against possible accidents caused
by bad drivers, drunk drivers, poor weather, and heavy
traffic.
If you look ahead, and keep your eyes
moving (scanning), you will spot a hazard more easily.
Once you see the hazard and decide what to do, act.
Never "wait and see." Never think that everything
will be all right. Children playing in the street may
not see you. The boy on the bike may ride in front of
you. The man opening a car door in your lane may not
see you. If you have an accident, you may not be legally
at fault; however, you may be morally at fault, if you
could have prevented the accident, but didn't. Remember,
you can prevent most accidents if you drive defensively.
The Most
Common Causes Of Accidents.
- Unsafe speed
- Driving on the wrong side of the road
- Improper turns
- Violation of the right-of-way rules
- Violation of stop signals and signs
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