This week's tip, which comes from the California Driver Handbook, addresses how to react to two very different types of skids: the acceleration skid and the locked-wheel skid. You may want to pass this along to your fleet drivers as a friendly reminder.
Acceleration Skids -- An acceleration skid usually happens when the drive wheels lose traction on the road surface. To maintain control of the vehicle, do not apply the brakes. Ease off the gas pedal and straighten the front wheels as the vehicle begins to straighten out.
Locked Wheel Skids -- This type of skid is usually caused by braking too hard at a high rate of speed and locking the wheels. The vehicle will skid no matter which way the steering wheel is turned. Take your foot off the brake to unlock the wheels. Then straighten the front wheels as the vehicle begins to straighten out. Slow the vehicle gradually until you are at a safe speed to continue driving.