Practice question

Which of the following is a common cause of skidding?

  1. Accelerating too slowly
  2. Excessively high speed on a sharp turn
  3. Using the brakes gently
  4. Driving on a flat surface

Answer: B — Excessively high speed on a sharp turn

Excessively high speed on a sharp turn is a common cause of skidding because when a vehicle approaches a turn too quickly, the tires may lose traction with the road surface. This loss of traction results in the vehicle not being able to follow the intended path of the turn, leading to a skid. The centrifugal force acting on the vehicle during a turn increases with speed, and if the speed exceeds the road's ability to maintain grip, the tires can begin to slide. The dynamics of vehicle handling indicate that sharp turns require specific speeds to maintain control, and exceeding that speed compromises safety. Proper speed management during maneuvers such as turning is crucial for preventing skids, especially in conditions where the road surface may be slick or uneven.

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