What should you do if your vehicle starts to skid?

When a vehicle starts to skid, the recommended action is to steer in the direction of the skid while gently applying the brakes. This technique helps to regain control of the vehicle and allows the driver to align the front wheels with the direction they want to go. By steering into the skid, you can counteract the forces that are causing the vehicle to lose traction.

The gentle application of brakes is important because slamming on the brakes can worsen the skid by locking up the wheels, leading to a loss of steering control. This approach creates a smooth and controlled movement, allowing the driver to stabilize the vehicle instead of overcorrecting or causing further loss of traction.

Accelerating to regain control may seem counterintuitive, as it could actually intensify the skid, especially if the rear wheels lose traction. Pulling over immediately may not be practical or possible depending on traffic conditions or the severity of the skid. Turning sharply in the opposite direction can lead to a loss of control and potentially send the vehicle into a spin, further exacerbating the situation. Thus, the most effective and safe response to a skid is indeed to steer into the direction of the skid and brake lightly.