What should you do if your vehicle starts to skid?

When you find yourself in a situation where your vehicle begins to skid, the recommended action is to steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go. This technique, known as “steering into the skid,” helps regain control of the vehicle. When a car skids, it often loses traction with the road, and the rear of the car may slide out. By steering towards the direction you wish to go, you align the front wheels with the rear wheels, allowing for better traction and control as the tires re-engage with the road surface.

Focusing on this response is critical because making abrupt movements, such as braking hard immediately, could worsen the skid by locking the wheels or causing a loss of control. Additionally, turning the steering wheel in the opposite direction could send your vehicle into a spin, complicating the recovery. Shifting to neutral may not provide the necessary steerable control over the vehicle, making it harder to maneuver out of the skid effectively. Understanding this technique equips drivers with the skills to respond more effectively in emergency situations, ultimately enhancing safety on the roads.