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Difficulty: MediumSkid Control and Recovery

A commercial driver experiences an unexpected drive-wheel skid on a slushy highway, causing the rear of the vehicle to slide outward. In what chronological sequence should the driver perform the following actions to safely recover directional control?

  1. 1Immediately remove foot from the accelerator pedal to eliminate drive torque and allow slipping tires to regain rolling traction.
  2. 2Steer quickly toward the direction the rear of the vehicle is sliding to bring the front wheels in line with the intended travel path.
  3. 3Turn the steering wheel back in the opposite direction as soon as the vehicle begins aligning with the travel lane.
  4. 4Center the steering wheel smoothly to stabilize forward momentum once the vehicle is fully straightened.

Answer

The correct sequence begins with releasing the accelerator, followed by steering into the direction of the skid, counter-steering back as the vehicle straightens, and finally centering the steering wheel to stabilize tracking.
According to official CDL safety procedures for drive-wheel skid recovery, the driver must first release the accelerator to restore rolling traction, steer toward the direction of the rear slide to re-establish heading, immediately counter-steer back as the vehicle returns on course to prevent secondary fishtailing, and finally center the steering wheel to stabilize tracking.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Release the accelerator pedal immediately without applying the service brakes.
Engine power is removed from the drive wheels, allowing the tires to regain rolling grip.
Drive wheels sliding under power cannot generate lateral cornering force until torque is cut.
2
Turn the steering wheel toward the direction of the skid (the direction the rear of the vehicle is stepping out).
The front wheels point along the vehicle's true intended line of travel.
Aligning the steer tires with vehicle motion directs cornering forces to rotate the chassis back toward the lane.
3
Counter-steer back in the opposite direction immediately as the vehicle swings back on course.
The vehicle stops rotating past center, avoiding rotational overswing.
Failing to turn the wheel back promptly causes a violent secondary 'fishtail' skid in the reverse direction.
4
Center the steering wheel and maintain smooth vehicle control.
The commercial vehicle returns to straight, stable tracking in its lane.
Smooth neutralization of steering input prevents introducing new lateral disturbances to recovering tires.

Key Concept

Drive-Wheel Skid Recovery and Secondary Counter-Steering Procedure
Estimated Time:1m 15s
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Topics

Skid Control and Recovery

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