What should you do if your vehicle begins to skid?

When your vehicle begins to skid, the most effective action is to steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go. This technique helps to regain control of the vehicle by aligning its movement with the intended path. By steering towards the direction of the skid, you are allowing the rear of the vehicle to catch up with the front, which stabilizes the vehicle’s motion and helps you recover from the skid.

This response reflects the principles of counteracting oversteering or understeering scenarios and promotes safer handling during loss of traction. Proper steering not only helps with control but also minimizes the risk of spinning out, which can occur when the driver reacts with abrupt braking or sudden steering movements.

Other responses do not effectively address the situation. For instance, braking suddenly can cause the wheels to lock up, leading to further loss of control. Turning the steering wheel sharply can lead to a loss of control or a more severe skid. Accelerating typically exacerbates the skid, making it harder to regain control.