If your vehicle begins to skid on a slippery road, what should you do?

When your vehicle begins to skid on a slippery road, the correct action is to steer in the direction you want the back of the vehicle to go. This technique is known as "steering into the skid." By doing so, you help realign the vehicle's direction and regain control. In a skid, the rear wheels lose traction, causing the back of the vehicle to slide sideways. Steering into the skid allows the front tires to regain grip and helps stabilize the car.

While steering toward the front of the vehicle may seem intuitive, it can further exacerbate the loss of control and lead to a more severe skid or spin-out. In contrast, accelerating during a skid can worsen the situation by increasing speed when traction is already compromised, making it harder to regain control. Similarly, braking hard while trying to steer can lead to the vehicle skidding even more, as it may lock up the wheels and hinder steering capabilities.

Understanding these dynamics is crucial for safely navigating slippery conditions and responding effectively when a skid occurs.