Skid Control, Emergency Maneuvers, and Accident Procedures
Skid Control, Emergency Maneuvers, and Accident Procedures
This domain tests recovery from loss of traction, response to vehicle failures, and the correct sequence after a crash. The exam rewards calm, controlled actions rather than sudden overcorrection.
Core rules
- Skids are caused by overbraking, oversteering, or too much acceleration. Remove the cause: release hard braking or the accelerator, steer where you want the vehicle to go, and avoid overcorrecting. Do not lock the brakes harder.
- For a tire blowout, hold the steering wheel firmly, keep the vehicle straight, slow gradually, and move off the road when controlled. For brake failure, downshift, use engine braking, and apply the emergency brake carefully.
- After a crash: stop, protect the scene, warn traffic, call for help, provide aid if trained, exchange required information, and report the crash. Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger.
Worked example
A tractor-trailer begins a drive-wheel skid on wet pavement after too much acceleration. The driver releases the accelerator, keeps the steering aimed down the lane, and does not stab the brakes. Reasoning: the skid started from excess power at the drive wheels. Removing acceleration restores grip; hard braking or steering sharply the other way would likely worsen the skid.
Traps that cost marks
Slamming brakes during a skid; overcorrecting and causing a trailer swing; leaving the scene of a crash; moving an injured person without immediate danger; and failing to warn approaching traffic.