What should you do if your vehicle starts to skid?

When a vehicle starts to skid, it is crucial to regain control by steering in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go. This approach is grounded in the principle of directional control; it helps you align the vehicle's front tires with the intended path and allows for smoother recovery from the skid.

By turning in the direction you desire to go, you can help the tires regain traction on the road surface, which is essential for stability. This technique relates to "steering into the skid," a fundamental concept in defensive driving. It teaches drivers to respond effectively to loss of traction, enabling them to navigate through potentially dangerous situations more safely.

In contrast, other options can exacerbate the problem. For instance, applying the brakes suddenly can lead to locked wheels, which diminishes any remaining traction. Similarly, turning the wheel sharply in the opposite direction can lead to an overcorrection, potentially causing the vehicle to spin out. Accelerating while in a skid is also ineffective, as it can lead to a complete loss of control. Understanding these dynamics is essential for safe driving, particularly in adverse weather conditions where skids are more likely to occur.