What should you do if your vehicle starts to skid?

If your vehicle starts to skid, steering into the direction of the skid is the correct action to take because it helps regain control over the vehicle. When the rear wheels begin to slide or lose traction, turning the steering wheel in the same direction that the rear of the vehicle is sliding allows you to realign the wheels with the direction of travel. This technique helps to stabilize the car and prevent it from spinning out.

Braking immediately can worsen the skid by shifting weight and potentially locking the wheels, which could lead to a loss of control. Turning off the engine is not advisable as it disrupts vehicle control and does not address the underlying issue of poor traction. Accelerating out of a skid is also dangerous because it can exacerbate the loss of control, particularly if the vehicle is oversteering or understeering.

Knowing how to respond to a skid is crucial for safe driving, especially in conditions where traction is compromised, such as during rain or snow.