Arkansas Commercial Driver License (CDL) Practice Test

Rear wheel traction loss is primarily caused by excessive braking or acceleration. When a vehicle accelerates too quickly, especially in a rear-wheel drive vehicle, the weight shifts forward, reducing the load on the rear wheels. This results in less traction and can lead to wheel spin. Similarly, during heavy braking, especially if done suddenly or excessively, the weight transfers to the front of the vehicle, again reducing the grip of the rear wheels on the road surface. Both scenarios can result in a loss of control and make it difficult for the driver to maintain stability, especially on slippery surfaces. While approaching a steep hill can affect traction in general, it is not as direct a cause for rear wheel loss of traction as excessive braking or acceleration. Oversteering can lead to a loss of control, but it is more of a consequence of losing traction rather than a direct cause. Driving through a water puddle can create a temporary loss of traction due to hydroplaning, but this does not specifically target rear wheel traction loss in the same direct way that acceleration or braking does.