Question

Difficulty: MediumSpeed and Road Conditions

When operating a commercial vehicle on a roadway with reduced traction, a driver must slow down to a safe speed before entering a curve rather than braking while turning, because braking in a curve on a slippery surface can easily cause the wheels to lock up and initiate a skid.

Answer: Answer

Answer

True. A commercial driver must reduce speed to a safe level prior to entering a curve on slippery road surfaces, as braking during a turn can exceed available traction and trigger a dangerous skid.
The statement is true because commercial driving safety rules require completing all speed reductions prior to entering a curve. Applying brakes while turning on a low-traction roadway divides available tire adhesion between braking and lateral cornering forces, which can easily cause the wheels to lock up and trigger an unrecoverable skid.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze tire traction physics on wet or slippery road surfaces.
Tires must distribute available friction between steering control (lateral force) and braking (longitudinal force).
Adverse weather conditions significantly lower the total friction coefficient available between the tires and the road.
2
Determine the proper deceleration timing when approaching a curve on low-traction pavement.
All necessary speed reduction must occur in a straight line before turning the steering wheel into the curve.
Applying service brakes while turning demands both cornering and stopping friction simultaneously, which easily exceeds reduced traction limits and initiates drive-wheel lockup or jackknifing.

Key Concept

Speed management and braking timing on curves under reduced traction conditions
Estimated Time:45s
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