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Difficulty: MediumSkid Control and Recovery

While crossing an elevated concrete bridge deck covered in patchy ice, a commercial motor vehicle experiences a drive-wheel skid that causes the rear of the tractor to slide outward to the right. Which action should the driver take immediately to regain directional control?

  1. A
    Steer sharply to the left and apply moderate service brakes to force the vehicle back into the center of the lane.
  2. Release the accelerator, push in the clutch, and turn the steering wheel to the right in the direction of the skid.Answer
  3. C
    Activate the engine retarder to increase driveline resistance and slow the drive axle without locking the service brakes.
  4. D
    Maintain current throttle position and apply aggressive brake pedal pressure before reaching the end of the bridge span.

Answer

Release the accelerator, push in the clutch, and turn the steering wheel to the right in the direction of the skid.
To recover from a drive-wheel skid, the driver must immediately remove power by letting off the accelerator and pushing in the clutch, then steer into the direction of the skid (turning right when the rear slides right) until rolling traction is restored, followed by counter-steering to avoid a secondary skid.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Remove drive torque from the spinning wheels by releasing the accelerator and disengaging the clutch.
Drive wheels stop spinning freely and are allowed to roll, which is necessary to re-establish traction with the road surface.
Tires cannot produce lateral cornering grip while undergoing longitudinal drive slippage.
2
Turn the steering wheel in the direction the rear of the vehicle is sliding (to the right).
The front wheels align with the vehicle's actual direction of travel rather than fighting it.
Counter-steering into the skid straightens the vehicle platform and prevents a full spin-out or jackknife.
3
Counter-steer back smoothly as the vehicle realigns with the intended travel path.
The vehicle stabilizes in the travel lane without oscillating into a secondary skid in the opposite direction.
Failing to straighten the wheel promptly once traction returns causes a violent secondary skid.

Key Concept

Drive-wheel skid recovery procedures and directional steering control on slippery surfaces.
Estimated Time:1m 15s
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Topics

Skid Control and Recovery

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