One common cause of skidding on a fire apparatus is

• A. Weight shifts on heavier apparatus
• B. Worn tread
• C. Overheating brakes
• D. Faulty steering column

Answer: (A)

Traction is the tires’ grip on the road, and skidding happens when the demand for friction (from braking or turning) exceeds what the tires can provide. A fire apparatus is very heavy, so it has a lot of momentum. When you brake, weight shifts forward, loading the front tires more and unloading the rear tires. If the front tires top out their friction limit, you can’t brake effectively anymore and the rear tires can break traction, causing a skid. The extra mass also means more abrupt weight transfer during any braking or steering, making skids more likely on heavier rigs. So, weight shifts on heavier apparatus are a common cause of skidding.

Worn tread, overheating brakes, or steering issues can also contribute to skids in different situations, but the scenario described most directly highlights how the extra weight and resulting weight transfer increase the chance of losing traction.