How to help prevent vehicle skids

There are many ways to lose control of a vehicle and wind up in a skid. Sometimes it’s from speeding up or slowing down too quickly. Other times it’s from making tight turns at too high a speed.

Rain, snow and ice also make for slippery roads and skids, as does loose material, such as gravel or wet leaves.

As the most major cause of skids is a sudden change in speed and/or direction, you must always be aware of the road surface and adjust your speed accordingly.

Skid-prevention tips

Follow these skid-prevention tips to help keep people and property safe:

• Slow down at curves and on slippery surfaces
• Drive within your sight distance and maintain adequate following distance.
• Adjust your speed to the surface conditions and curvatures of the road.
• Use the brake-limiting valve correctly. Do not over-brake.
• Do not suddenly downshift.
• Inspect the air system and brake adjustment before and during each trip. All wheels should start stopping at the same time. Also inspect your tires, front wheel alignment and the suspension system.
• Load cargo properly

If you find yourself in a skid despite your best prevention efforts, almost all tractor skids are corrected by the same general responses:

• Disengage the clutch
• Counter steer
• Pump the brakes for control.