Skid Control and Winter Driving
Why skids happen
A skid is a loss of traction caused by braking too hard, accelerating too hard, or turning too fast for the surface. Brake skids lock the wheels and remove steering; power skids spin the drive tires; cornering skids happen when speed beats available grip.
Recovery
Release whatever caused the skid - get off the brake or the throttle - and steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go. Do not overcorrect; a second, opposite skid is common. Look where you want to end up, not at the ditch. With ABS, apply firm, continuous brake pressure and steer; do not pump the pedal.
Winter realities
Ice, black ice, and packed snow cut traction to a fraction of dry-pavement values. Bridges and overpasses freeze first. Increase following distance to eight or ten seconds on ice. Avoid using an engine retarder or jake brake on slick surfaces, where it can cause a drive-axle or trailer jackknife. Carry and know how to install chains, and use chain-up areas rather than the shoulder. Slow down before the ice, not on it: any steering or braking input on ice should be gentle and gradual.
Traps
Test questions reward pumping ABS brakes, steering away from the skid, and using the engine brake on ice - all wrong.
Worked example
The rear of your tractor steps out to the right. Ease off the throttle, stop braking, and steer right, toward the direction the rear is sliding, until the trailer follows. Straighten as grip returns.