What is the most common cause of serious vehicle skids?

The most common cause of serious vehicle skids is indeed driving too fast for road conditions. When drivers exceed the safe speed limit for the current conditions, they reduce their ability to maintain control over the vehicle. Factors such as weather conditions (like rain, snow, or ice), road surface conditions (like gravel or potholes), and the vehicle's load can all impact how fast a driver should be going. If the vehicle's speed is too high relative to these conditions, it can lead to loss of traction, especially in adverse weather, making skidding more likely.

For instance, during wet or icy conditions, a vehicle has less grip on the road, and driving at higher speeds exacerbates this loss of traction. When drivers do not adjust their speed accordingly, they are more likely to experience skids, leading to dangerous situations where they may lose control of the vehicle, potentially resulting in accidents.

Other factors like not wearing a seat belt, using brakes too hard, or making sudden steering maneuvers can contribute to accidents or may complicate handling during a skid, but they are not as fundamental to causing skids in the first place. The primary issue remains inadequate speed management in relation to road and weather conditions.