How should you react if your vehicle begins to skid?

When a vehicle begins to skid, the proper response involves steering in the direction you want to go, commonly referred to as "steering into the skid." This technique helps you regain control and stabilize the vehicle. By steering in the direction of the intended path, you allow the tires to regain traction with the road surface, which can help straighten out the vehicle.

Avoiding sudden braking is also crucial because applying the brakes too hard can worsen the skid, making it more difficult to control the vehicle. Soft, judicious steering movements combined with a gentle release of the accelerator can further assist in regaining control without overreacting.

In contrast, abrupt actions like slamming on the brakes can lead to loss of control, as can overly sharp corrections in steering. Accelerating during a skid can shift weight and exacerbate the loss of traction, leading to even more instability in the vehicle. Therefore, the recommended method of handling a skid focuses on calm, controlled steering to guide the vehicle back to a straight path.