How to Avoid Skidding

Most skids are caused by the driver’s failure to react in time to adjust the vehicle’s speed to road and traffic conditions. When you are driving on a slippery road, you should apply the brakes by very gently pumping them and maintaining the proper speed for the road conditions (this procedure is for vehicles with conventional brakes only).

On roads that are wet or icy, you should never make any sudden changes in speed or direction. If your vehicle is equipped with anti-lock brakes, do not pump the brake. Any pumping of anti-lock brakes could cancel the feature and cause the vehicles brakes to lock up and skid.

Press the pedal firmly and maintain pressure until the vehicle stops. Know your vehicle and follow the instructions in your owner’s manual. ABS – Anti-lock Braking System is a computer controlled braking system that keeps the wheels rotating (turning) during emergency braking. Thus, the vehicle will not skid, and steering is always available to the driver. If the driver stomps on the brake and stays on the brake, they will be able to steer in the direction they want to travel. The brake (Pedal) will pulsate – this is normal for ABS systems.

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