What should you do if your vehicle starts to skid?

When your vehicle starts to skid, the most effective response is to steer in the direction you want to go. This technique helps regain control of the vehicle as it allows the wheels to align with the direction of travel. By directing the steering toward your intended path, you can help the vehicle’s tires regain traction with the road surface, which is crucial for stability.

In a skid, the natural tendency is for the vehicle to slide in the opposite direction of the turn. Therefore, if you steer in the direction of the skid, you are enabling the vehicle to correct itself, reducing the chances of losing control. This approach is particularly essential in situations where water, ice, or slippery conditions are present, as these factors can significantly affect vehicle handling.

The other options typically lead to further loss of control. For example, accelerating can exacerbate the skid by increasing speed, while braking abruptly may lock up the wheels if the brakes are applied too hard, preventing recovery and exacerbating the skid. Finally, turning the steering wheel back and forth can create confusion in handling and lead to an even greater loss of control, making it more difficult to stabilize the vehicle. Thus, the emphasis is on smoothly steering towards the intended path as the most effective method during a skid.