Question

Difficulty: HardSkid Control and Recovery

While driving through an unexpected slush deposit on a multi-lane bypass, a commercial driver feels the vehicle's drive wheels break traction and slide laterally toward the left shoulder. Which sequence of driver actions is required to regain directional control and prevent a secondary skid?

  1. A
    Release the accelerator and steer firmly to the right away from the skid direction to pull the tractor back into the original travel lane.
  2. B
    Engage the auxiliary engine retarder to maximum resistance while maintaining a straight steering angle until drive-wheel rotation synchronizes with road speed.
  3. Stop braking or accelerating immediately, quickly steer to the left in the direction of the skid, and counter-steer to the right as soon as the vehicle begins to realign.Answer
  4. D
    Apply firm, steady service brake pressure to decelerate rapidly while holding the steering wheel firmly in the straight-ahead position.

Answer

Stop braking or accelerating immediately, quickly steer to the left in the direction of the skid, and counter-steer to the right as soon as the vehicle begins to realign.
According to commercial driving safety standards, recovering from a drive-wheel skid requires a three-part execution: immediately remove all pedal forces (stop accelerating and stay off the brakes) to permit the drive tires to regain rolling grip, turn the steering wheel into the direction of the skid (left, matching the rear slide), and immediately counter-steer back to the right as the vehicle straightens to prevent an over-correction and secondary skid.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Eliminate drive-wheel torque or braking force
Tires transition from sliding friction back toward rolling friction
Locked or spinning drive wheels have virtually zero lateral cornering traction, making recovery impossible until pedal input is removed.
2
Turn the steering wheel quickly in the direction the rear of the vehicle is skidding (to the left)
The front wheels align with the vehicle's actual path of travel
Steering into the skid counters the rotational yaw of the vehicle and stabilizes the rear axle.
3
Execute a smooth counter-steer back to the right as realignment begins
Rotational momentum is arrested without overshooting the travel path
Failing to counter-steer in time causes the rear wheels to whip violently in the opposite direction, creating a severe secondary skid.

Key Concept

Drive-Wheel Skid Recovery and Counter-Steering Procedure
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Rate this question