What is the most common hazard caused by losing traction through excessive braking or acceleration?

The most common hazard caused by losing traction through excessive braking or acceleration is a rear wheel skid. When excessive braking occurs, particularly in vehicles with rear-wheel drive, the rear wheels can lose grip on the surface, resulting in a skid. This is often due to the weight transfer from the rear to the front of the vehicle during hard braking, which reduces the load on the rear tires and compromises their traction.

In situations involving acceleration, especially on slippery surfaces, the rear wheels can spin and lose grip, leading to loss of control. This situation is common in various driving conditions, particularly with wet, icy, or uneven surfaces.

A front wheel skid typically occurs when the front wheels lose traction and is more associated with steering control rather than braking. Side slip can happen in both front and rear wheel scenarios, but it typically involves a loss of control due to lateral forces and is less directly linked to the specific issue of traction loss from braking or acceleration. Thus, while the other hazards are relevant, a rear wheel skid is specifically the most common consequence of losing traction in those circumstances.