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Question

Difficulty: MediumWinter Driving, Snow, and Black Ice

You are driving on a highway on a cold morning when the outside temperature is 32∘F32^\circ\text{F} (0∘C0^\circ\text{C}). As your vehicle crosses a shaded stretch of pavement, the rear end begins sliding to the left due to black ice. Which of the following is the correct immediate action to take?

  1. Ease off the accelerator pedal and steer smoothly in the direction the rear of the vehicle is sliding.Answer
  2. B
    Steer sharply to the right away from the skid while applying hard pressure to the brake pedal.
  3. C
    Stomp on the brake pedal immediately to stop the vehicle as quickly as possible.
  4. D
    Press the accelerator firmly to transfer weight to the rear tires and power through the ice.

Answer

Ease off the accelerator pedal and steer smoothly in the direction the rear of the vehicle is sliding.
When encountering black ice and experiencing a rear-wheel skid, the driver should ease off the gas pedal to reduce speed without locking the wheels, while steering smoothly in the direction the rear of the car is sliding (into the skid). This action aligns the front wheels with the path of the vehicle, restoring steering control and traction.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify traction loss on black ice
Recognize that the rear of the vehicle is sliding to the left.
Immediate awareness allows for quick, controlled reactions before a total spinout occurs.
2
Remove foot from the gas pedal without braking hard
Vehicle speed stabilizes and weight shifts evenly.
Braking or accelerating breaks momentum and causes further wheel slippage.
3
Turn the steering wheel gently in the direction of the skid (to the left)
The front wheels align with the vehicle's direction of motion.
Steering into the skid enables the tire treads to regain grip on the pavement.

Key Concept

Skid Control and Black Ice Steering Recovery
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Topics

Winter Driving, Snow, and Black Ice

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