What is counter steering?

Counter steering involves turning the steering wheel back in the opposite direction after initially steering into a turn or maneuver. This technique is crucial for maintaining control of the vehicle, especially during emergency situations or when the vehicle starts to skid. The purpose of counter steering is to help stabilize the vehicle and prevent it from flipping or rolling over, which can occur if a driver overcorrects or fails to respond adequately to a loss of traction.

For instance, if a vehicle begins to slide during a turn, the driver must quickly steer in the opposite direction of the slide to bring the wheels back in line with the direction of travel. This response allows the vehicle to regain stability and traction, resulting in a smoother and safer recovery from the slide.

Understanding counter steering is essential for drivers because it is a key skill in maneuvering safely in adverse conditions. The other options presented do not accurately define this concept: turning the wheel counterclockwise may not involve a corrective maneuver, using steering axle brakes does not specifically relate to the action of counter steering, and adjusting speed before a turn is important for safety but does not describe the specific act of counter steering.