What are the three types of skids?

The three types of skids are recognized as braking, cornering, and power skids. Braking skids occur when the driver applies the brakes too hard, causing the wheels to lock up and the vehicle to lose traction. This can happen under various conditions, such as wet or icy roads, where reduced friction leads to a complete loss of control.

Cornering skids happen when a vehicle is turning and exceeds the limits of traction, causing it to slide sideways. This type of skid often occurs when a driver takes a turn too fast or understeers, meaning the front wheels lose grip more than the rear wheels.

Power skids occur when excessive acceleration causes the rear wheels to lose grip, common in rear-wheel-drive vehicles when too much power is applied while trying to accelerate. This type of skid can also be influenced by the road surface and tire conditions.

Understanding these skids is crucial for emergency vehicle operators because it allows for better vehicle control during high-stress driving situations, ensuring safety while responding to emergencies.