What should a driver do if their vehicle starts to skid?

When a vehicle starts to skid, the most effective response is to ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction of the skid. This technique helps regain control of the vehicle by allowing the tires to re-establish traction with the road surface.

Skidding usually occurs when a vehicle loses friction with the ground, which can happen due to slick surfaces, such as ice or wet roads. By easing off the accelerator, the driver reduces the vehicle's speed gradually, reducing the force on the tires and allowing them to regain grip. Steering in the direction of the skid helps realign the vehicle with the direction of travel and counteracts the lateral forces that are causing the skid. This is commonly referred to as "steering into the skid."

Understanding the mechanics of a skid and how to react appropriately is critical for maintaining safe vehicle control. Making abrupt movements, such as sharply steering in the opposite direction or braking hard, can worsen the skid and lead to loss of control, potentially resulting in dangerous situations or accidents. Similarly, accelerating during a skid can further destabilize the vehicle and make regaining control much more difficult.