Steering in Emergencies

There are times when steering can be more effective than braking.

For example, you come over a hill and find a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls out from nowhere, or a child darts out from between parked cars and stops right in front of you. These problems can be avoided by braking—if you can stop in time. But sometimes you cannot stop in time because there is no room. That is the time for evasive action—steering around the problem.

The vehicle can perform very well in emergencies like these. First apply the brakes. See Braking . It is better to remove as much speed as possible from a collision. Then steer around the problem, to the left or right depending on the space available.

An emergency like this requires close attention and a quick decision.

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.

    See also:

    Braking in Emergencies
    With ABS, you can steer and brake at the same time. In many emergencies, steering can help you more than even the very best braking. ...

    How the System Works
    LDW uses a camera located between the inside rearview mirror and the windshield to detect the lane markings. (Lane Departure Warning): To turn LDW on and off, press the LDW control, located ...

    Lower Anchors
    Lower anchors (A) are metal bars built into the vehicle. There are two lower anchors for each LATCH seating position that will accommodate a child restraint with lower attachments (B). ...