If your vehicle starts to skid, what should you do?

When your vehicle starts to skid, the best course of action is to steer in the direction you want to go. This technique is commonly known as "steering into the skid." By doing so, you help align your vehicle's tires with the direction of travel, which can help regain traction and stabilize the vehicle. This method allows for a more controlled recovery from the skid, as it counteracts the loss of traction.

In many skidding scenarios, the rear end of the vehicle may begin to slide out, and steering into the skid helps correct the direction by allowing the front wheels to regain traction. It’s essential to maintain a calm demeanor and not oversteer or make abrupt movements, as these can make the situation worse.

The alternative approaches, such as braking firmly or accelerating, can lead to further loss of control by locking the wheels or spinning out. Rapidly turning the steering wheel back and forth can create a chaotic situation, potentially causing a more severe skid or loss of control. Therefore, maintaining a smooth, steady input by steering toward your intended path is the most effective way to handle a skid.