Off-road recovery, Loss of control, Off-road recovery -5 loss of control -5 – Buick 2011 Enclave User Manual

Page 261

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Buick Enclave Owner Manual - 2011

Driving and Operating

9-5

An emergency like this requires
close attention and a quick decision.
If holding the steering wheel at the
recommended 9 and 3 o'clock
positions, it can be turned a full
180 degrees very quickly without
removing either hand. But you have
to act fast, steer quickly, and just as
quickly straighten the wheel once
you have avoided the object.

The fact that such emergency
situations are always possible is a
good reason to practice defensive
driving at all times and wear safety
belts properly.

Off-Road Recovery

The vehicle's right wheels can
drop off the edge of a road onto the
shoulder while driving.

If the level of the shoulder is only
slightly below the pavement,
recovery should be fairly easy.
Ease off the accelerator and then,
if there is nothing in the way,
steer so that the vehicle straddles
the edge of the pavement.

Turn the steering wheel 8 to 13 cm
(3 to 5 inches), about one-eighth
turn, until the right front tire contacts
the pavement edge. Then turn the
steering wheel to go straight down
the roadway.

Loss of Control

Let us review what driving experts
say about what happens when the
three control systems — brakes,
steering, and acceleration — do not
have enough friction where the tires
meet the road to do what the driver
has asked.

In any emergency, do not give up.
Keep trying to steer and constantly
seek an escape route or area of
less danger.

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