Automotive Academy

A basic guide can be defined as the loss of traction between a vehicle’s tyres and the road surface due to the forces acting on the vehicle. Most skids are caused by driver error, although only about 15% of accidents are the direct result of a vehicle skidding. Skids occurring in other accidents are usually the result of last minute action, by the driver, when faced with a crisis ahead rather than actually causing an accident. Skids can occur both in the dry and wet as well as icy conditions, however, the chances of losing control and having an accident increase by 50% in the wet. The main causes of skidding are as follows:

a) harsh or sudden acceleration

b) excessive of sudden braking

c) coarse or jerky steering movements

The effects of the above will be enhanced by speed. Combining these effects with non-recognition of adverse road and weather conditions will create problems for the driver. The main types of skid that a driver could encounter on the public highway fall into three categories:

1) The front wheel skid.

2) The rear wheel skid.

3) The four wheel skid.

The best ways to avoid skidding in any type of conditions are:

• Accelerate gently as opposed to harshly and in a straight line wherever possible.
• Treat all braking operations in the same manner as acceleration.
• If conditions are adverse, delicate use of foot controls and gentle shallow movements of the steering wheel are called for.
• Ensure that the vehicle’s position, speed and gear are correct before entering and negotiating the hazard.
• Reduce speed in good time if conditions show any sign of deterioration.
• Make sure the vehicle is correctly maintained, especially that tyre pressures are correct and the tyres are in good condition. Also have the vehicle’s shock absorbers professionally checked; they are all that is holding you on the road.