What is one of the most common causes of skidding?

Driving too fast for the circumstances is one of the most common causes of skidding because speed significantly affects a vehicle's ability to maintain traction with the road surface. When a vehicle is traveling too quickly, especially during adverse conditions such as wet, icy, or gravel-covered roads, the tires can lose grip. This happens because the forces acting on the tires exceed their ability to adhere to the road, leading to a loss of control.

Every road condition has an optimal speed that allows for maximum traction and handling. When drivers do not adjust their speed according to these conditions—like exceeding the posted speed limit in poor weather—they increase the likelihood of initiating a skid. Understanding and adapting driving speed to fit the current road conditions is crucial in preventing skidding and ensuring safety on the road.

Other potential causes, such as driving without headlights, not using brakes at all, or driving with worn tires, can also contribute to accidents or loss of control, but they do not relate directly to the commonality of skidding as closely as inappropriate speed does. The relationship between speed and traction losses under various conditions is well established in driving safety training, making this the most prevalent factor.