CDL Combination Vehicles TestDriving Combination Vehicles SafelyMedium
A commercial driver is operating a combination vehicle and approaches a section of road where patches of ice are visible. What is the most effective way to maintain control and prevent a skid in this situation?
- AApply the trailer hand brake lightly to test traction.
- BReduce speed significantly before reaching the ice, avoid sudden steering or braking, and use a low gear.
- CMaintain current speed and steer gently around the ice patches.
- DShift into neutral and coast over the ice patches to minimize wheel spin.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Reduce speed significantly before reaching the ice, avoid sudden steering or braking, and use a low gear.
The most effective strategy for driving on ice is to reduce speed significantly *before* encountering it. This minimizes the risk of losing traction. Once on ice, avoid sudden steering, braking, or acceleration, and using a low gear helps maintain engine control over the wheels.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Applying the trailer hand brake on ice is extremely dangerous as it can cause the trailer wheels to lock up and jackknife.
- C. Maintaining speed on ice is very risky as it reduces reaction time and increases the likelihood of losing control.
- D. Shifting into neutral on ice removes engine braking control, making the vehicle prone to uncontrolled skidding and difficult to recover.
Driving on Ice (Combination Vehicle)
When encountering ice, reduce speed significantly beforehand, avoid sudden inputs, and use a low gear to maintain control and prevent skids.
- Traction is severely reduced on ice.
- Sudden movements cause skids.
- Engine braking in a low gear helps control.
Memory trick: Ice Ahead? Idle, Input Gently, In Gear.