A skidding crash usually happens when a car’s tires lose traction, often because of speed that is too fast for the road, hard braking, sharp steering or sudden acceleration. Who is at fault depends on what caused the skid. Icy or wet roads do not automatically excuse a crash, because drivers are expected to slow down when conditions require it.
What Causes a Car to Skid?
When a car skids, it usually results from one or a few things occurring.
If you are driving too fast for the current road conditions, this can lead to skidding. Suppose you are typically driving 45 MPH on a road that you have driven on for years, and today that road is covered in sleet or ice. What has been common practice for years may no longer be a safe option for you, and you can reduce your speeds to reduce the risk of your car skidding.
What if you brake too hard or lock up the wheels? You may have seen or done this yourself while driving in traffic, and something unexpected occurs. Locking the brakes will likely cause the car to skid and lose control.
Turning the wheels too sharply can also lead to skidding. Cranking the wheels aggressively to one side or the other can place intense pressure on the tires and cause them to skid to keep up with the rapidly turning steering wheel.
Stepping on the gas intensely can also cause the car to skid. When operating at a consistent pace, the vehicle is manufactured to operate safely; when you demand it to speed up quickly by stepping on the gas (similar to stomping on the brakes), it can cause the vehicle to skid.
Why Do Road Conditions Affect Traction?
Just as you feel your feet sometimes slipping out from underneath you on a slippery surface, your tires act as your “feet” while driving.
Due to the process and materials involved in asphalt on the roads, this surface can become slippery directly after it rains. Even in cases where you don’t see standing water on the roadway, the surface can still be slippery and result in your skidding.
Dry sand on tar or concrete can also cause the tires to lose their standard grip and skid out of control. It is best practice to slow down and carefully review what is on the roadway to ensure you are traveling at a safe speed, especially if you are on unfamiliar roads.
Ice can form easily on roads and can quickly cause a skidding risk. You may have heard of “black ice,” which is difficult to detect. Black ice is not black in color but gets its name because it is transparent and difficult to see. Black ice can rapidly form on streets due to glaze ice conditions.
Tips for Slippery Conditions
Learning to navigate during slippery conditions can be difficult if you don’t have much practice driving in them. There are some tips and tricks that you can learn to help you.
If you are driving uphill and the roads are slippery, you can drive slowly and steadily and try to keep your speed consistent. If you have access to chains for your tires, this can help tremendously in icy conditions.
If you are driving downhill in slippery conditions, slow your speed before approaching the top of the hill. Brake carefully and consistently, and follow the best practices regarding the braking system in your car. If you have antilock brakes, do not pump your brakes as it prevents the antilock system from working properly. It can be helpful to read your manual to determine what type of brakes your vehicle has and how to utilize them best.
What to Do if Your Car Starts to Skid
Learning what to expect can help you stay in control. If you lose traction, take your foot off the brake and the gas, then steer in the direction you want the car to go. Avoid jerking the steering wheel, which can cause you to over-correct. The Colorado Driver Handbook explains how to handle a skid with and without anti-lock brakes.
The bottom line is there are hundreds of ways for crashes to occur, and avoiding them entirely is impossible. It does help, however, to have some driver safety tips and tricks to help ensure you are doing everything you can to remain safe.
Evidence After a Skidding Crash
If you were hurt in a skidding crash, these details can help explain what happened:
- The weather and road conditions at the time
- The exact location and time of the crash
- Photos of the scene, the road surface and the vehicles
- Names and contact information for any witnesses
- Tire and maintenance records for your vehicle
- The police report number
Related Reading
- How Is Fault Determined After a Colorado Car Crash?
- Colorado Left-Lane Passing Law Explained
- What to Do After a Car Crash in Colorado: 9 Steps
Talk to Greer Law After a Skidding Crash
If you have been hurt in a crash and need the help of a trusted car crash attorney, contact our office at 303-331-6460. We have spent years tirelessly advocating for clients and are familiar with what it takes to protect you and your family. We look forward to serving you.
