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 action helps regain control over your vehicle. When skidding, the tires lose traction, making it challenging to steer effectively. By turning the steering wheel toward the desired path, you can realign the vehicle’s wheels with its direction of travel, helping the tires regain traction as conditions allow.

Maintaining a steady and deliberate steering direction is crucial; over-correcting or turning too sharply can lead to further loss of control. This technique is essential for managing skids, particularly on slippery surfaces caused by rain or ice, where smooth steering is vital for reducing the likelihood of spinning or oversteering.

Understanding vehicle dynamics in a skid emphasizes the importance of not making abrupt movements, such as sharply accelerating or braking, that could exacerbate the situation. Instead, focus on gentle and controlled adjustments to both the steering and throttle as traction improves.