Cadillac XT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-14584650) - 2021 -
CRC - 7/15/20
DRIVING AND OPERATING
193
.
Become familiar with vehicle
features before driving, such as
programming favorite radio stations
and adjusting climate control and
seat settings. Program all trip
information into any navigation
device prior to driving.
.
Wait until the vehicle is parked to
retrieve items that have fallen to
the floor.
.
Stop or park the vehicle to tend to
children.
.
Keep pets in an appropriate carrier
or restraint.
.
Avoid stressful conversations while
driving, whether with a passenger or
on a cell phone.
{
Warning
Taking your eyes off the road too
long or too often could cause a
crash resulting in injury or death.
Focus your attention on driving.
Refer to the infotainment section for
more information on using that
system and the navigation system,
if equipped, including pairing and
using a cell phone.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means
“
always
expect the unexpected.
”
The first step
in driving defensively is to wear the
seat belt. See
.
.
Assume that other road users
(pedestrians, bicyclists, and other
drivers) are going to be careless and
make mistakes. Anticipate what
they may do and be ready.
.
Allow enough following distance
between you and the driver in front
of you.
.
Focus on the task of driving.
Control of a Vehicle
Braking, steering, and accelerating are
important factors in helping to control
a vehicle while driving.
Braking
Braking action involves perception
time and reaction time. Deciding to
push the brake pedal is perception
time. Actually doing it is
reaction time.
Average driver reaction time is about
three-quarters of a second. In that
time, a vehicle moving at 100 km/h
(60 mph) travels 20 m (66 ft), which
could be a lot of distance in an
emergency.
Helpful braking tips to keep in mind
include:
.
Keep enough distance between you
and the vehicle in front of you.
.
Avoid needless heavy braking.
.
Keep pace with traffic.
If the engine ever stops while the
vehicle is being driven, brake normally
but do not pump the brakes. Doing so
could make the pedal harder to push
down. If the engine stops, there will
be some power brake assist but it will
be used when the brake is applied.
Once the power assist is used up, it
can take longer to stop and the brake
pedal will be harder to push.
