Commercial Driver Handbook ( PDF ) - California Department of ...

countersteering in a skid takes a lot of practice.
The only place to get this practice is on a large
driving range or “skid pad.”
front Wheel skids
Most front-wheel skids are caused by driving
too fast for conditions. Other causes are: lack of
tread on the front tires, and cargo loaded so that
not enough weight is on the front axle. In a frontwheel
skid, the front end tends to go in a straight
line regardless of how much you turn the steering
wheel. On a very slippery surface, you may not be
able to steer around a curve or turn.
When a front-wheel skid occurs, the only way to
stop the skid is to let the vehicle slow down. Stop
turning and/or braking so hard. Stop the vehicle
as quickly as possible.
cOllISIOn PROceDuReS
When you are in a collision and not seriously hurt,
you need to act to prevent further damage or injury.
The basic steps to be taken at any collision are:
• Protect the area.
• Notify the authorities.
• Care for the injured.
• Collect required information.
• Report the collision.
proteCt the area
The first thing to do at a collision scene is to keep
another one from happening at the same spot. To
protect the collision area:
• Try to get your vehicle to the side of the road,
if it is involved in the collision. This will help
prevent another collision and allow traffic to
move.
• Park away from the collision, if you are stopping
to help. The area immediately around the
collision scene will be needed for emergency
vehicles.
• Turn on your 4-way flashers.
• Set out reflective triangles to warn other traffic.
Make sure they can be seen by other drivers in
time for them to avoid the collision.
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notify authorities
If you have a CB radio, put out a call over the
emergency channel before you leave your vehicle
or if you have a cellular phone, call 9-1-1. If you do
not have a CB or a cellular phone, wait until after
the collision scene has been properly protected, then
phone or send someone to phone for the police or
CHP. Try to determine where you are so you can
give the exact location.
Care for the injured
If a qualified person is at the scene and helping the
injured, stay out of the way unless you are asked
to assist. Otherwise, do the best you can to help
any injured parties. Here are some simple steps to
follow in giving assistance:
• Do not move a severely injured person unless
the danger of fire or passing traffic makes it
necessary.
• Stop heavy bleeding by applying direct pressure
to the wound.
• Keep the injured person warm.
gather information
If you were involved in the collision, you will
have to file a collision report. Collect the following
information for the report:
• Names, addresses, and driver license numbers
of other drivers involved in the collision.
• License plate numbers and types of vehicles
involved in the collision.
• Names and addresses of the owners of other
vehicles (if different from the drivers).
• Description of the damages, to other vehicles
or to property.
• Name(s) and address(es) of anyone who was
injured or involved in the collision.
• Name, badge number, and agency of any peace
officer investigating the collision.
• Names and addresses of witnesses.
• Exact location of the collision.
• Direction of travel of the vehicles involved.