Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) Practice Test 2026 - Free EVOC Practice Questions and Study Guide

When negotiating a curve at high speed, a cornering skid occurs due to the loss of traction on the tires while trying to maintain a curved path. At higher speeds, the centrifugal force acting on the vehicle increases, often exceeding the tires' grip on the road. As a result, the vehicle may begin to slide outward through the curve instead of following the intended path.

In a cornering skid, the driver may experience a sensation that the rear of the vehicle is sliding out or the front of the vehicle is pushing toward the outside of the turn. This situation typically arises when the speed is too high for the conditions, or if the driver inputs too sharply into the steering without adjusting speed appropriately. Understanding the dynamics behind a cornering skid is crucial for emergency vehicle operations, as it can help drivers make better decisions in avoiding loss of control during high-speed maneuvers.

In contrast, other types of skids, such as braking or acceleration skids, are related to specific actions of braking or accelerating and do not primarily focus on loss of control during cornering. Thus, recognizing a cornering skid can lead to improved handling and safety in emergency driving situations.