What should you do if your vehicle starts to skid?

When your vehicle starts to skid, the appropriate action to take is to steer in the direction you want to go. This technique helps to regain control of the vehicle by aligning the front wheels with the direction of travel. When you steer into the skid, you allow the rear of the vehicle to follow your lead, which can help you to stabilize the vehicle and reduce the likelihood of further skidding.

Steering in the desired direction is based on the principle of counter-steering, which is essential in regaining control during slippery conditions. It is important not to overcorrect, as that can lead to the vehicle skidding in the opposite direction or spinning out.

Braking hard can exacerbate the skid, leading to loss of control, while accelerating might cause the wheels to spin and worsen the skid situation. Shifting into a lower gear does not directly address skidding and could also lead to loss of control if not done carefully. Therefore, steering in the direction you want to go is the safest and most effective method for managing a skid.