Chevrolet 2010 Cobalt, Owner'S Manual

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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
— but, unless the vehicle
has antilock brakes, not enough to lock the wheels.
See
Braking on page 5 ‑ 3 . 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. 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.
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