EXTERNAL

External

External forces are one of the most overlooked dangers drivers face on the road. These outside influences can affect how your vehicle handles, responds, and stays under control. From changing surfaces to shifting weight, staying safe often depends on how well you recognize and adapt to these conditions.

What are external forces in driving? How do external forces affect vehicle stability? What role do external factors play in unexpected skids or slides? Can a driver anticipate when external forces will become a risk? What should you do when your vehicle responds differently than expected?

This page helps drivers understand how external forces impact safety and control in real-world driving. By identifying the influence of these forces and learning how to respond effectively, drivers can reduce the risk of collisions, maintain control in challenging situations, and improve their overall awareness behind the wheel.

Any external force on a vehicle in motion that is powerful enough can induce a slide into the vehicle.

Such an external force can come from a variety of sources, too numerous to enumerate. However, the list below shows some of the more common categories that these causes would fall into:

Impact from another object.
Strong winds.
Change in road surface level. E.g., sinkhole or bursting water pipe.

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🛈 Info:

⮟ External forces on a vehicle in motion

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🛈 External forces on a vehicle in motion

There are several external forces that can act on a vehicle while it is in motion. Here are some of the most common:

Gravity: Gravity is a force that acts on all objects with mass, including vehicles. Gravity is what keeps a vehicle's wheels on the road and helps to stabilize it while in motion.
Friction: Friction is the force that opposes motion between two surfaces in contact. Friction between the tires and the road is what allows a vehicle to accelerate, brake, and turn.
Air resistance: Air resistance, also known as drag, is the force that opposes the motion of an object through the air. The shape and size of a vehicle can greatly affect the amount of air resistance it experiences.
Centrifugal force: Centrifugal force is the force that acts on an object moving in a circular path. In a vehicle, centrifugal force can cause it to lean to the outside of a turn, making it feel like the vehicle is being pulled to the side.
Inertia: Inertia is the tendency of an object to resist a change in its state of motion. A vehicle's inertia can make it more difficult to start or stop, especially if it is moving at a high speed.
Wind: Wind is the movement of air and can affect the handling of a vehicle, especially if it is strong or gusty. Strong winds can push a vehicle off course or make it difficult to control.
Road conditions: The condition of the road, such as the presence of ice, water, or loose gravel, can greatly affect the handling of a vehicle. Different road surfaces can also affect the amount of friction between the tires and the road, which can impact the vehicle's ability to accelerate, brake, and turn.

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