What should you do if your vehicle starts to skid?

When your vehicle starts to skid, the most effective response is to steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. This technique, known as "steering into the skid," helps realign the car with the intended path. By turning the steering wheel in the direction you're aiming to travel, you can regain control of the vehicle and prevent it from spinning out of control.

This method allows for a smoother recovery from the skid, enabling the tires to regain traction as you maneuver the car back onto a stable path. Understanding the dynamics of a skid is essential; it occurs when the tires lose grip on the road due to slippery conditions like ice or rain.

Other responses, such as hitting the brakes hard, can worsen the skid as it may lock the wheels and lead to further loss of control. Likewise, turning the steering wheel rapidly left and right can confuse the car's direction and intensify the skid. Accelerating quickly is also counterproductive because it can further reduce traction and increase the likelihood of losing control.

By following the proper technique of steering in the direction you want to go, you maximize your chances of regaining stability and avoiding a potential accident.