What usually causes a locked wheel skid?

1. Braking too hard at a slow speed
2. Braking lightly at a slow speed
3. Braking too hard at a fast speed ✓

Answer: C. Braking too hard at a fast speed

A locked wheel skid is usually caused by braking too hard when you are going too fast.

Why this is the answer

The handbook's section on skids describes a locked wheel skid as one that usually happens when you brake too hard while traveling too fast. In that situation the vehicle will skid no matter which way you turn the steering wheel, so hard braking at high speed is the combination that takes away your control. Braking gently, or braking hard only at a slow speed, is not what the handbook names as the usual cause.

Why the other answers are wrong

• A. Braking too hard at a slow speed — Braking too hard is only part of the picture; the handbook ties the locked wheel skid to hard braking while going too fast, not at a slow speed.
• B. Braking lightly at a slow speed — Light braking is not what the handbook identifies as the cause, and a slow speed is not the condition it describes either.

Remember it

Think of the two ingredients together: heavy brake foot plus high speed equals a wheel that locks and slides.