What should you do if your vehicle starts to skid?

When your vehicle starts to skid, the proper response is to steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go. This method, often referred to as "steering into the skid," helps align the front wheels with the direction of travel. By doing so, you can regain control and help the tires regain traction with the road surface.

This approach works because when a vehicle skids, it is often due to oversteering or an abrupt loss of traction. Steering towards the intended direction helps reestablish control over the vehicle's path. It’s essential to remain calm and avoid making sudden movements, as that can exacerbate the situation.

Other responses, such as braking hard, could lead to further loss of control by locking the wheels and preventing any steering maneuver. Accelerating in a skid might also worsen the situation, as it can increase the speed of the skid and reduce your ability to steer effectively. Steering in the opposite direction is counterproductive, as it can further complicate the recovery. By understanding the correct response to skidding, drivers can improve their chances of maintaining control and safely navigating out of a skid.