Loss of Control; Skidding- Page 192

4-15

Loss of Control

Let’s review what driving experts say about what happens
when the three control systems (brakes, steering and
acceleration) don’t have enough friction where the tires
meet the road to do what the driver has asked.

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

Skidding

In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking 
reasonable care suited to existing conditions, and by 
not “overdriving” those conditions. But skids are 
always possible.

The three types of skids correspond to your vehicle’s
three control systems. In the braking skid, your wheels
aren’t rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too
much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and
lose cornering force. And in the acceleration skid, too
much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.

A cornering skid and an acceleration skid are best
handled by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal.

If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want 
the vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough,
your vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready for a
second skid if it occurs.

Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel or other material is on the road. For safety, 
you’ll want to slow down and adjust your driving to
these conditions. It is important to slow down on
slippery surfaces because stopping distance will be
longer and vehicle control more limited.

While driving on a surface with reduced traction, 
try your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration 
or braking (including engine braking by shifting to 
a lower gear). Any sudden changes could cause the tires
to slide. You may not realize the surface is slippery until
your vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning
clues 

--

 such as enough water, ice or packed snow on

the road to make a “mirrored surface” 

--

 and slow 

down when you have any doubt.

Remember: Any anti

-

lock brake system (ABS) helps

avoid only the braking skid.