What should you do if your vehicle begins to skid?

When your vehicle begins to skid, the most effective response is to steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go. This action is crucial because it helps to realign the vehicle with the intended path of travel. When skidding, the rear of the vehicle may be moving out of alignment with the front. By steering into the skid, you can help regain control and stabilize the vehicle, allowing it to regain traction on the road.

This technique is based on the principles of vehicle dynamics and understanding how vehicles respond to steering inputs during skids. Maintaining control and adjusting your steering direction is a vital skill for safely navigating slippery or unstable road conditions.

Other responses are less effective in managing a skid. Accelerating could worsen the situation, causing the vehicle to slide further. Braking hard may lead to loss of further traction, as braking forces can exacerbate the loss of control. Turning off the engine is unnecessary and could lead to additional issues since you would lose power steering, making it more difficult to regain control. Therefore, steering into the skid is the best and safest approach in skidding situations.