What is the most likely cause of vehicle skids?

Driving too fast on slippery roads is a primary cause of vehicle skids because it reduces the tires' ability to maintain grip on the road surface. When a vehicle goes too quickly on wet, icy, or otherwise slippery surfaces, the force exerted by the tires can exceed the available friction. This leads to a loss of control, causing the vehicle to skid.

While ice or snow can certainly contribute to slippery conditions, and tire pressure can affect handling, it is the combination of speed and those hazardous conditions that primarily results in a skid. Excessive speed does not allow the driver enough time to react to changes in road conditions or obstacles and can lead to oversteering or understeering, further increasing the risk of skidding. Proper speed management is crucial for maintaining control, especially in adverse weather.