What should you do if your vehicle starts to skid?

When your vehicle starts to skid, the best course of action is to steer into the direction of the skid. This technique helps you regain control of the vehicle by aligning the front wheels with the direction you want the vehicle to go. When you steer in the direction of the skid, it allows the tires to regain traction on the road.

This method is based on the principle of vehicle dynamics; when the rear of the car slides out (typically in a rear-wheel skid), turning the wheels in the direction you want the front to go can help straighten the vehicle.

Other actions, like accelerating, can worsen the skid by increasing speed and further destabilizing the vehicle. Immediately braking can cause the wheels to lock up, leading to a loss of steering control. Sharp turns can also exacerbate the skid by shifting the weight and momentum incorrectly, making it more difficult to regain control. Hence, steering into the skid is the most effective way to help manage a skidding situation.