While crossing a frost-covered overpass, the rear drive wheels of a commercial vehicle lose lateral traction and begin sliding outward toward the right shoulder. What is the correct chronological sequence of driver actions required to safely regain vehicle control?
- 1Release the accelerator pedal immediately and disengage the clutch to remove engine torque from the drive wheels.
- 2Turn the steering wheel quickly to the right toward the direction the rear end is sliding.
- 3Counter-steer back toward the center as soon as the vehicle starts to straighten out.
- 4Stabilize the vehicle smoothly within the travel lane without applying the service brakes.
Answer
The driver must first remove engine power by releasing the accelerator and depressing the clutch, steer quickly into the skid direction (right), counter-steer back as the vehicle straightens, and stabilize in the lane without applying the service brakes.
According to official CDL safety standards, recovering from a drive-wheel skid requires four strictly sequenced actions: (1) stop braking or accelerating immediately to allow the tires to regain rolling traction, (2) turn quickly in the direction of the skid, (3) counter-steer back as the vehicle straightens to prevent secondary overcorrection, and (4) avoid brake application while stabilizing in the lane.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Four-step drive-wheel skid recovery procedure and counter-steering dynamics.
Estimated Time:1m 15s