What should you do if your vehicle begins to skid?

When your vehicle begins to skid, the correct action is to steer in the direction you want to go and avoid slamming on the brakes. This response is crucial because it helps to regain control of the vehicle. If you steer into the skid, which means turning the steering wheel in the same direction that the rear of the car is sliding, you can help realign the vehicle’s wheels with the direction of travel. This technique also allows for a smoother recovery from the skid, making it less likely to spin out or further lose control.

Additionally, applying brakes suddenly or excessively can worsen the skid since it may lock the tires and reduce traction. Simply steering in the opposite direction of the skid would not stabilize the vehicle effectively, as it does not help correct your path. Pulling over to the side of the road may not be practical or safe if you are in motion and losing traction. Therefore, steering in the intended direction while gently maintaining control is the safest and most effective action to take during a skid.