How should you respond if your car starts to skid?

When your car begins to skid, the proper response is to steer in the direction you want to go. This technique helps to regain control of the vehicle and align the direction of the front wheels with the path of travel. When skidding occurs, the rear wheels lose traction, and if you instinctively brake hard or do not steer correctly, it can worsen the skid and lead to a loss of control.

By steering into the direction of the skid, you give the vehicle a better chance of regaining traction. For instance, if the rear of your car is skidding to the right, you should steer right. This action helps to counteract the skid, allowing the tires to regain grip on the road surface.

Other responses, like braking hard or turning the wheel left and right, can further destabilize the vehicle and increase the likelihood of a crash. Accelerating is also not advisable during a skid, as it can worsen the loss of control. Understanding the correct response is essential for safe driving in slippery conditions and helps to prevent accidents.