What generally causes locked wheel skids?

Locked wheel skids occur primarily when a driver applies too much pressure to the brakes, causing the wheels to lock and skid rather than roll. This situation often happens at high speeds, where the force of braking overcomes the tire's grip on the road surface. When the wheels are locked, the vehicle can lose control, leading to a skid in a straight line or during turns, depending on the dynamics of the vehicle at that moment. This scenario underscores the importance of braking smoothly and maintaining control to reduce the likelihood of skidding, especially when traveling at higher speeds. Understanding how braking force can lead to locked wheels is crucial for safe driving practices.