USAREUR Practice Exam

If a vehicle starts skidding while braking, what should the driver do?

1. Apply full brakes immediately

2. Steer in the opposite direction of the skid

3. Turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid and pump the brakes lightly

4. Turn off the engine

The correct answer is: Turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid and pump the brakes lightly

When a vehicle begins to skid while braking, the proper response is to turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid and pump the brakes lightly. This technique allows the driver to regain control of the vehicle as it helps to realign the wheels with the direction of travel. By steering into the skid, the driver can naturally correct the vehicle’s path and decrease the chances of spinning out or rolling over. Pumping the brakes lightly can also help maintain traction and prevent the wheels from locking up, which could exacerbate the loss of control. This cautious approach helps to stabilize the vehicle’s movement and allows the driver to manage the skid effectively. It emphasizes the importance of modulation over abrupt motions during such a critical situation. In contrast, applying full brakes immediately can worsen the skid by causing the wheels to lock and increasing the vehicle's likelihood of losing grip further. Steering in the opposite direction of the skid goes against the principle of regaining control, as this would likely lead to a spin or an even more severe loss of stability. Turning off the engine would not provide any benefit in managing a skid and could complicate matters by disabling power steering, which is vital for effective vehicle control during a recovery. Thus, the recommended action is to steer in the