How should you react when your vehicle starts to skid?

When your vehicle starts to skid, it is crucial to maintain steering control. By steering in the direction you want the front of the car to go, you can help realign your vehicle with the road. This technique is commonly referred to as "steering into the skid." It allows the rear wheels to regain traction, helping to stabilize the vehicle and prevent a complete loss of control.

This method is successful because when a vehicle begins to skid, the loss of traction typically occurs at the rear wheels, causing the back to swing out. By turning the steering wheel in the direction where you want the vehicle to travel (for example, if your rear end is sliding to the right, you should steer right), you encourage the wheels to regain their grip on the road surface, allowing you to steer out of the skid safely.

This approach contrasts with other actions that may exacerbate the situation. For instance, braking firmly can lead to further loss of control, as it can lock the wheels and escalate the skid. Accelerating may also lead to loss of control, as it adds power without addressing the traction issue. Rapidly turning the steering wheel back and forth can create additional instability by confusing the vehicle's balance, making it harder to regain control. Overall,