Skid Control, Braking, and Vehicle Systems
Skids
Skids start with overbraking, oversteering, or too much speed. Rear-wheel skid: steer in the direction the rear is sliding; don't brake. Front-wheel skid: release the brake and steer where you want to go. ABS: hold steady pressure and steer; don't pump.
Braking
Controlled braking: apply steady pressure without locking wheels. Stab braking, for air brakes without ABS: brake hard, release when wheels lock, reapply. Check air pressure; know the warning level (about 60 psi) and spring-brake engagement (20-45 psi).
Worked example
The rear of a truck skids to the right. Reasoning: the rear is sliding right, so steer right to bring the rear back in line. Do not brake hard; that worsens the skid. Straighten the wheel as traction returns.
Traps
Pumping ABS; braking in a skid; ignoring the low-air warning; assuming a bobtail stops like a loaded trailer.