Delaware Driver Education State Practice Test

What is the main cause of skidding in a vehicle?

1. Over acceleration

2. Sudden braking

3. Loss of control of the back tires

4. Driving on a slippery surface

The correct answer is: Loss of control of the back tires

The main cause of skidding in a vehicle is the loss of control of the back tires. When the rear tires lose traction, they cannot grip the road effectively, leading to a situation where the vehicle may slide sideways or rotate uncontrollably. This can be particularly dangerous because the driver may not be able to steer the vehicle effectively, making recovery difficult. While factors such as over acceleration, sudden braking, and driving on slippery surfaces can all contribute to skidding, the pivotal aspect is the traction between the tires and the road surface. Once the back tires lose grip, the likelihood of a skid increases significantly. Therefore, maintaining control of your tires in various driving conditions is critical for road safety.