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Question

Difficulty: HardSkid Control and Recovery

After initiating a counter-steer to correct a rear-wheel slide on a frosty highway bridge, the tractor begins to respond and come back on course. What steering action must the driver execute at the precise moment the vehicle starts realigning with the path of travel to prevent an overcorrection skid in the opposite direction?

  1. A
    Maintain the initial steering lock angle firmly until all lateral vehicle motion ceases completely.
  2. B
    Switch the drivetrain retarder to maximum power to stabilize the drive axle.
  3. Turn the steering wheel back in the other direction to center the wheels before the vehicle overshoots the lane.Answer
  4. D
    Apply hard, continuous service brake pressure while tightening the steering turn radius.

Answer

Turn the steering wheel back in the other direction to center the wheels before the vehicle overshoots the lane.
Safe skid recovery requires turning the front wheels into the direction of the slide and then immediately turning the wheel back the other way as the vehicle begins straightening. If the driver does not reverse the steering input in time, the vehicle will snap back and enter a secondary skid in the opposite direction.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the dynamics of drive-wheel skid recovery and the two phases of counter-steering.
Recognize that turning the front wheels in the direction of the rear slide arrests the initial angular momentum, but creates new momentum toward the opposite side.
As traction is regained, the tires will pull the vehicle in whatever direction the front wheels are pointed.
2
Determine the necessary timing for the secondary counter-steering adjustment.
The driver must actively unwind the steering wheel and turn it back the other way just as the vehicle begins realigning with the desired lane path.
Failing to turn the wheel back before alignment is completed causes overcorrection, resulting in a violent secondary skid in the opposite direction.

Key Concept

Secondary Counter-Steering and Skid Stabilization
Estimated Time:2m 0s
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Topics

Skid Control and Recovery

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