Georgia Commercial Driver License Practice Test

What can happen if you turn too sharply or brake too hard?

1. Your tires can skid

2. Your vehicle may tip over

3. You could lose control of the steering

4. Your brakes may fail

The correct answer is: Your tires can skid

Turning too sharply or braking too hard can lead to skidding of your tires, which is a critical issue for maintaining control of a commercial vehicle. When you make a sudden turn, especially at higher speeds, the weight distribution in the vehicle shifts rapidly. This shift can cause the tires, particularly the rear tires, to lose traction with the road surface, resulting in a skid. Skidding means that the tires are no longer gripping the road properly, making it difficult to steer effectively or stop the vehicle. In commercial driving, where the vehicle may be larger and heavier than standard vehicles, the effects of skidding can be more pronounced and hazardous. Maintaining appropriate speeds during turning and braking helps mitigate the risk of losing traction and ensures safer operation of the vehicle on various road conditions. While there are other valid concerns related to sharp turns and hard braking, such as the potential for tipping over in very large commercial vehicles or the complexities of steering control, the immediate and direct consequence of turning sharply or braking hard is indeed the risk of skidding. That is why understanding tire traction and vehicle dynamics is critical for safe driving practices in a commercial driving context.