What is the first thing you should do if you experience vehicle skidding?

When experiencing a vehicle skidding, the most effective first action is to steer in the direction you want to go. This response allows you to regain control of the vehicle by aligning the wheels with the direction of travel. It is essential to stay calm and avoid overcorrecting, as this could lead to a loss of control or spin-out.

In skidding situations, applying brakes can often exacerbate the skid because it can cause the wheels to lock up, preventing steering and further compromising control. Shifting into neutral may have some merit as a technique in specific scenarios, but it is not typically the first step to take when skidding. Accelerating to regain control is counterintuitive; speeding up can worsen the skid and increase the risk of losing control. Therefore, the most prudent approach is to steer in the desired direction, enabling the driver to recover from the skid effectively.