What risk is a rigid vehicle with trailer or a semi-trailer truck expected to face while driving on a slippery roadway?
- On a slippery road all vehicles are at risk, and a connected vehicle or a semi-trailer truck is not special in this sense.
- Correct answer: The vehicle can skid into a “jack-knife” position, in which a large angle is formed between the trailer and the towing vehicle,
- Loss of engine power due to the slippage of a long vehicle.
- That the deceleration brake stops functioning.
Why this is the answer
The correct answer in the official bank: The vehicle can skid into a “jack-knife” position, in which a large angle is formed between the trailer and the towing vehicle,
On a slippery road the wheels lose grip, so hard braking or sharp steering lets the trailer keep pushing forward and swing relative to the towing vehicle. A large angle forms between them, the jack-knife position, and the driver loses control. To prevent it, slow down early, brake gently and avoid sudden steering. Skidding does not cause a loss of engine power.