What should you do if your vehicle starts to skid?

When your vehicle starts to skid, the correct response is to steer in the direction of the skid. This technique helps you regain control of the vehicle because it allows the front wheels to follow the path of your steering, aligning the tires with the direction the vehicle is moving. By turning into the skid, you facilitate the natural recovery of the vehicle's alignment with the road surface, thereby reducing the risk of spinning out.

In contrast, steering in the opposite direction of the skid could induce further loss of control, as it can cause the rear wheels to continue sliding sideways. Similarly, braking firmly can exacerbate the skid by shifting weight to the front of the vehicle and causing the rear wheels to lose even more traction. Accelerating in a skid can also be hazardous, as it often leads to a loss of control; more speed will only make it harder to regain traction. Understanding these principles of vehicle dynamics is essential for maintaining control in slippery or emergency situations while driving.