What is a factor that may cause a vehicle to skid?
- Driving slowly in high gear
- Over-braking late on a slippery surface or on a curve ✓
- Driving an older vehicle
- Driving on a flat, dry surface
Answer: B. Over-braking late on a slippery surface or on a curve
Over-braking late on a slippery surface or on a curve is a factor that may cause a vehicle to skid.
Why this is the answer
The handbook says most skids happen on slippery surfaces and can result from hard braking or aggressive turning or accelerating. It also warns that braking or accelerating while steering can push the tires closer to losing grip, and it advises avoiding sudden steering, braking or accelerating. Over-braking late, especially on a slippery surface or in a curve, matches those conditions.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. Driving slowly in high gear — Driving slowly in high gear is not identified in the passages as a skid cause; the handbook ties skids to speed too fast for conditions and harsh control inputs.
- C. Driving an older vehicle — Driving an older vehicle is not mentioned as a cause; the passages focus on road grip and how the controls are used.
- D. Driving on a flat, dry surface — A flat, dry surface is not the slippery condition described; the handbook says skids most often happen on wet, icy, snowy or loose surfaces.
Remember it
Think smooth hands and smooth feet: harsh braking or steering is what breaks traction.
Official handbook: Official MTO Truck Handbook, Driving at night and in bad weather – Skids