What should you do if your vehicle starts to skid?

When your vehicle starts to skid, the most effective course of action is to steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go. This technique helps to regain control by aligning the vehicle's front wheels with the intended path of travel. By steering into the skid, the driver can help the car regain traction and prevent a spin-out, allowing for smoother recovery and steering adjustments as needed.

Maintaining composure is vital in this situation; turning the steering wheel in the direction of the skid helps to realign the vehicle's momentum and can stabilize the car. This method allows you to harness the natural dynamics of the vehicle and can effectively bring you back on course without exacerbating the loss of control.

Other responses, such as braking hard, can lead to further loss of control, as sudden braking may lock the wheels and worsen a skid. Similarly, acceleration at that moment is counterproductive; it could exacerbate the skidding by spinning the rear of the car. Turning the steering wheel in the opposite direction could also make the skid worse, as it would conflict with the necessary adjustments needed to realign the vehicle properly.