If your vehicle starts to skid, what should you do?

When your vehicle starts to skid, the best course of action is to steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go. This technique is often referred to as "steering into the skid," and it helps to regain control of the vehicle. When skidding, the rear end of your vehicle loses traction, causing it to slide sideways. By turning the steering wheel in the direction you want the front wheels to travel, you can help realign the vehicle's direction with where it is headed, allowing the tires to regain grip on the road.

Maintaining control of the steering wheel is crucial during a skid. It helps prevent overcorrection, which can worsen the situation. For example, if a driver were to steer away from the skid, it could cause the vehicle to spin out of control, leading to a more dangerous situation.

While braking hard might seem like a logical response, it can actually exacerbate the skid by locking the wheels and further reducing traction. Similarly, turning off the ignition or not responding with appropriate steering can lead to loss of control, preventing the driver from managing the vehicle properly during a skidding incident. Thus, steering in the direction you want to go is essential for recovering from a skid safely.