Traction or adhesion is the grip between the tires and the road surface that allows a vehicle to start, stop and/or change direction. Reduced traction increases the risk of skidding, loss of control and a collision. Wet roads are most dangerous when the temperature is near freezing (30 – 34 degrees). .

What Are the Different Types of Traction?

• Skeletal Traction. Skeletal traction involves placing a pin, wire, or screw in the fractured bone.
• Skin Traction. Skin traction is far less invasive than skeletal traction.
• Cervical Traction. During cervical traction, a metal brace is placed around your neck.

Traction or adhesion is the grip between the tires and the road surface, which allows a vehicle to start, stop, and/or change direction. Three types of traction influence the control/or movement of a motor vehicle: static, rolling (dynamic), and sliding.

A good technique to minimize understeer is to slow down before entering a curve or turn. In vehicles without ABS, a quick jab of the brakes may help control front wheel traction loss.

Water on the roadway – When it is raining or the road is wet, most tires have good traction up to about 35 mph. However as you go faster, your tires will start to ride up on the water, like water skis. This is called hydroplaning. In a heavy rain, your tires can lose all traction with the road at about 50 mph.

Loss of Traction – Common Causes OVER-BRAKING – Braking too hard can lock up the wheels. OVER-STEERING – Turning the wheels too sharply can cause the back end of the vehicle to slide out.

about 80 feet per second

How Does Speed Affect Stoping Distances? The faster an object is moving, the longer the distance it takes to stop. If a vehicle’s speed doubles, it needs about 4X’s the distance to stop. If a vehicle’s speed triples, it needs up to 9X’s the distance to stop.

Your following distance must increase the faster you are traveling. At high speeds, the total stopping distance of your vehicle will be longer. Leaving more space is essential to ensure you have time to slow, stop or maneuver in an emergency.

You should apply the four-second rule when it’s wet, frosty or when you are towing a trailer. The four-second rule means that you leave four seconds between you and the vehicle in front. It gives you more time to react and more time to stop.

Using the four-second rule If it’s wet or icy then increase your following distance to four seconds. As well as giving you more room to stop, it also improves your view of the road ahead, giving you more time to react.