What should you do when skidding to regain control of the vehicle?

When a vehicle begins to skid, the most effective method to regain control is to steer in the direction of the skid. This technique allows the driver to align the front wheels of the vehicle with the direction they want to go, effectively countering the slide. For example, if the rear end of the vehicle is sliding to the right, the driver should turn the steering wheel to the right. This action helps to stabilize the vehicle and encourages it to regain traction with the road surface.

In situations where skidding occurs—often due to factors such as wet or icy roads—steering into the skid helps the vehicle to naturally right itself and can prevent a more severe loss of control. Additionally, avoiding aggressive maneuvers, such as turning sharply or braking hard, is crucial since these actions can exacerbate the skid and lead to a potential crash or more severe loss of control.

Understanding the mechanics of skidding and the appropriate steering response is essential for safe driving, especially in emergency situations where maintaining control of the vehicle is paramount.