What should you do if your vehicle begins to skid?

When a vehicle begins to skid, steering in the direction of the skid is the appropriate response. This technique, often referred to as "steering into the skid," helps to regain control of the vehicle. When skidding, the rear wheels lose traction and slide sideways. By turning the steering wheel in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go, you can help realign the wheels and enable them to regain grip on the road surface.

This response is particularly important because it allows the driver to manage the vehicle's orientation and can prevent a complete loss of control. During a skid, the vehicle is already in a compromised state, and attempting to brake hard or accelerate can worsen the situation. Hard braking can lock the wheels, leading to further skid and loss of control, while accelerating can push the vehicle further off course. Likewise, turning off the engine does not aid in correcting the skid and could create additional problems, such as losing power steering. Staying calm and steering into the skid is the best method for recovering control.