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Skidding and Smart Moves

Answers

1. True. The best way to regain control is to ease off on the brakes if you have braked hard or release the gas pedal if your wheels lost traction due to hard acceleration (front-wheel drive). Shift to neutral and wait for the front wheels to grip the road again before attempting to regain steering control. Return to a driving gear and gently steer in the direction you want to travel.

2. False. Rear-wheel skids occur when the rear wheels lose traction due to hard panic braking or due to hard acceleration with rear-wheel drive. To regain control, shift to neutral and cease braking or accelerating. Steer gently in the direction you want to go. Just before the skid ends, bring the front wheels straight. Sometimes the vehicle will skid in the opposite direction so you may have to repeat the movement until the vehicle stabilizes.

3. False. To regain control when all four wheels skid you must stop braking or accelerating (whichever maneuver made you lose control in the first place) and then look and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. The wheels will eventually grip the road again. Note: Avoid using cruise control on slippery surfaces.

4. True. If this happens, release brake pressure by one or two degrees, then immediately reapply it with slightly less pressure. Anti-lock brakes are designed to prevent wheels from locking and allow continued steering control during panic braking. Sensors located at wheels detect lock-up. The anti-lock system relieves enough pressure to allow the wheel to turn, maintaining steering control.

5. True. If you don’t have anti-lock brakes, the best way to use threshold or controlled braking is to keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use your toes to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal. Stop just short of locking the wheels. You should put the car in neutral until control is regained. Remember to focus your attention as far ahead as possible since stopping on slippery surfaces requires more space.

Source: Canada Safety Council’s Publication: Living Safety: Winter 2004