What actions should a driver take if their vehicle starts to skid?

When a vehicle starts to skid, the appropriate action is to steer in the direction you want to go. This technique is known as "steering into the skid." When a driver turns the steering wheel towards the direction of the skid, it helps to realign the vehicle's tires with the direction of travel, allowing for better control.

This counter-intuitive action helps to regain traction and stabilize the vehicle, preventing a further slide or spin. It’s important to remain calm and avoid oversteering, which can lead to losing control entirely. By focusing on the intended path of travel, drivers can adjust their steering to help the vehicle regain stability.

In contrast, other actions like braking hard or accelerating during a skid could lead to a loss of control, as braking might lock the wheels while accelerating can increase momentum during an uncontrolled slide. Keeping the steering wheel straight can also worsen the skid by failing to adjust the vehicle's trajectory. Understanding how to respond correctly in a skid situation is crucial for safe driving.