What should you do if your vehicle starts to skid?

When your vehicle starts to skid, the appropriate action is to take your foot off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want to go. This technique helps regain control of the vehicle by allowing the wheels to re-establish traction on the road. When you accelerate, it can exacerbate the skid, as more power is applied to the wheels, making them spin without grip.

Steering in the direction you want to go not only helps align your vehicle in the correct path but also counteracts the yaw motion that can occur during a skid. This allows the vehicle to regain stability and helps prevent further loss of control, reducing the risk of an accident.

In contrast, turning the wheel quickly or steering in the opposite direction can lead to a loss of control, making the situation worse. Pumping the brakes rapidly may also be ineffective and could worsen the skid if the brakes lock up. Therefore, gently easing off the accelerator while steering towards the desired direction is key to managing a skid effectively.