Skid Control and Recovery Flashcards

While driving on a slippery road, the rear of your tractor begins to slide to the right. To correct this drive-wheel skid, what is the proper steering input?

Answer: Steer to the right, in the direction of the skid.

When the rear of the vehicle skids, the driver must steer in the same direction that the rear is sliding. This action, known as counter-steering, helps to realign the tractor with the trailer and regain control.

A driver is operating a tractor-trailer and the front wheels lose traction, causing the vehicle to continue straight ahead despite turning the steering wheel. This is known as a front-wheel skid. Which of the following is the correct recovery action?

Answer: Take your foot off the accelerator and avoid braking.

In a front-wheel skid, the tires have lost their grip. The primary goal is to let the wheels regain traction. Taking your foot off the accelerator allows the vehicle to slow, and avoiding the brakes prevents them from locking, which would prolong the skid.

What is the most common cause of skids in a commercial motor vehicle?

Answer: Driving too fast for road conditions

Driving too fast for the conditions (e.g., rain, ice, curves) is the leading cause of skids. Exceeding a safe speed reduces the available traction and gives the driver less time to react to hazards, making a loss of control more likely.

You are driving a tractor-trailer when the trailer wheels lock up, causing the trailer to swing out and start to jackknife. What is the FIRST and most critical action to take?

Answer: Release the service brakes.

A trailer jackknife is often caused by the trailer's wheels locking up. Releasing the service brake pedal is the crucial first step to allow the wheels to start rolling again, which is necessary to regain traction and stop the skid.

Which of the following actions is a critical technique for preventing skids while descending a long, steep grade?

Answer: Selecting an appropriate low gear before starting the descent.

Using the engine's braking power by selecting a low gear is the correct method for controlling speed on downgrades. This prevents the service brakes from overheating and fading, which could lead to a loss of braking ability and cause a skid.

If your commercial vehicle begins to skid, which of the following actions should you generally AVOID doing?

Answer: Slamming on the brake pedal.

Slamming on the brakes during a skid will almost always make it worse by keeping the wheels locked and preventing them from regaining traction. The correct initial response is to get off the pedals to allow the wheels to roll.