What should you do if your vehicle begins to skid?

When your vehicle begins to skid, the most effective response is to steer in the direction you want to go. This technique helps regain control of the vehicle by aligning the front wheels with the path of travel. It allows the tires to regain traction, particularly if the skid is caused by slippery conditions such as rain or ice.

Understanding why this action is important involves recognizing how skidding occurs. A skid typically happens when the tires lose grip with the road surface, often due to excessive speed or sudden maneuvers. By steering towards the desired direction, you can help the wheels re-engage with the road, which reduces the risk of spinning out or losing complete control.

In contrast, slamming on the brakes can exacerbate the skid and cause further loss of control. Turning the steering wheel left and right can confuse the vehicle's orientation and may lead to a more severe skid. Shifting to a lower gear does not directly address the immediate need to control the skid and can lead to additional complications under certain conditions. Therefore, steering towards your target is the safest and most effective response.