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Slippery road ahead
Safety Margins
Stopping distances, separation gaps, weather conditions and skid control.
Video lesson
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Slide 1
Skidding Prevention
Reducing the Risk of Skidding
To minimise the chance of skidding:
- Scan the road ahead for hazards.
- Watch for warning signs and road markings.
- Plan your driving well in advance.
Safe Driving Techniques
- Slow down gradually before bends and hazards.
- Avoid sudden steering movements.
- Brake smoothly and progressively.
- Maintain a safe speed for conditions.
Key Message
Most skids occur because drivers react too suddenly or drive too fast for the conditions.
What it means
The space and time you leave around your car to stay safe — stopping distances, gaps, and adjusting for weather.
Why it matters
If you can't stop in the distance you can see to be clear, you'll crash. Margins give you time to react.
Common mistakes
- Tailgating — leaving less than 2 seconds.
- Not increasing the gap in rain, fog or ice.
- Braking hard on ice and locking the wheels.
Exam tips
- 2-second rule in dry, 4 seconds in wet, 10x normal on ice.
- Typical stopping distance at 30 mph = 23 m; at 70 mph = 96 m (about 24 car lengths).
- If you skid, ease off the pedals and steer gently into the skid.
- On ice, drive in the highest gear possible and brake very gently.
Real driving examples
- It starts raining heavily — drop back so there are 4 seconds between you and the car ahead.
- On a frosty morning, test your brakes gently at low speed when you set off.
Key facts to memorise
- Typical thinking distance ≈ 1 ft per mph.
- Total stopping distance at 60 mph = 73 m.
Test your knowledge
10 questions, instant feedback, scored to your dashboard.
Start Safety Margins quiz