What can you expect while braking forcefully in these road conditions?
Show the correct answer
Correct answer
C. Decreased traction of the wheels to the road.
Explanation
In the photo there is a wet roadway full of potholes and puddles, and a car with its rear lights on is driving in front of us. When braking forcefully in these conditions, you can expect decreased traction of the wheels to the road - answer C.
Water on the roadway acts like a lubricant between the tyre and the surface, and in deeper puddles at a higher speed the tyre can even lose contact with the asphalt. Potholes and bumps make the wheels briefly lose their load and bounce, which further reduces the force they can transmit. Forceful braking then easily locks the wheels, and with locked wheels you cannot steer and the vehicle keeps sliding forward. Increased traction (answer A) and increased friction (answer B) are the opposite of what happens - the friction between the tyre and a wet roadway decreases. On such a road you drive more slowly, increase your following distance and brake earlier and more gently, and you avoid puddles when you can do so safely.
Legal basis: Art. 19 para. 1 of the Road Traffic Act (Prawo o ruchu drogowym)