What should you do if your vehicle starts to skid?

When your vehicle starts to skid, the proper response is to steer into the skid and gently ease off the accelerator. This technique allows you to regain control of the vehicle. Steering into the skid means you direct your wheels in the same direction the rear of the vehicle is sliding. This helps to realign your vehicle's direction with that of the wheels, promoting stability as you regain traction.

Gently easing off the accelerator helps to reduce speed in a controlled manner, which can allow the tires to regain grip on the road surface. This method is crucial because excessive braking or sharp steering can worsen the skid, leading to a more dangerous situation.

Choosing to brake hard can send the vehicle into a spin, as sudden braking shifts the weight forward, reducing traction on the rear tires and increasing the likelihood of losing control. Turning the steering wheel sharply in the opposite direction may initially seem like a quick fix, but it can actually further complicate the skid and lead to a loss of control. Steering off the road could put you in more danger, such as hitting obstacles or other vehicles.

Overall, understanding the correct response to a skid not only prevents accidents but also promotes safer driving practices.