California Driver Handbook
Skids On Slippery Surfaces
A road that is normally safe can become dangerous when it’s slippery. Ice and packed snow on the road can cause your car to skid, especially if you are driving too fast or going downhill. If you start to skid:
- ease off the gas pedal,
- stop braking, and
- turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid.
If you can’t control your car on a slippery surface, try to find something to stop you. Try to get a wheel on dry pavement or on the shoulder of the road. You may have to edge slowly into a snow bank or some bushes to stop.
To prevent skidding on slippery surfaces:
- Drive more slowly and stay farther behind the vehicle ahead.
- Slow down as you approach curves and intersections.
- Avoid fast turns.
- Avoid quick stops. "Pump" the brakes to slow or stop. (Do not pump antilock brakes.)
- Shift to low gear before going down a steep hill.
- Avoid especially slippery areas, such as ice patches, wet leaves, oil, or deep puddles.
If the brakes get wet, dry them by lightly pressing the gas pedal and brake pedal at the same time so that the car drives against the pressure of the brakes. Do this only until the brakes dry.
Acceleration Skids
An acceleration skid usually happens when the drive wheels lose traction on the road surface. To maintain control of the vehicle, do not apply the brakes. Ease off the gas pedal and straighten the front wheels as the vehicle begins to straighten out.
Locked Wheel Skids
This type of skid is usually caused by braking too hard at a high rate of speed and locking the wheels. The vehicle will skid no matter which way the steering wheel is turned. Take your foot off the brake to unlock the wheels. Then straighten the front wheels as the vehicle begins to straighten out. Slow the vehicle gradually until you are at a safe speed to continue driving.
Steering Wheel Locking Device
Never turn your vehicle’s ignition to the "lock" position while it is still in motion or the steering will lock and you will lose control of your vehicle.
Causes Of Accidents
The most common causes of accidents are:
- Unsafe speed
- Driving on the wrong side of the road
- Improper turns
- Violation of the right-of-way rules
- Violation of stop signals and signs