What should you do if your vehicle starts to skid?

When your vehicle starts to skid, the most effective response is to steer in the direction you want the rear of the car to go. This action helps regain control by aligning the front tires with the direction of travel, allowing the vehicle to straighten out and reduce the risk of spinning.

In a skid, especially if it's a rear-wheel skid, the back of the car moves out of alignment with the front. By steering toward the back of the vehicle, you are effectively guiding it back onto the intended path. This technique helps stabilize the vehicle and can prevent further skidding or loss of control.

Other options do not provide the same level of control or may worsen the situation. For instance, slamming on the brakes can increase the chances of losing traction and potentially cause the vehicle to spin out of control. Shifting into neutral may disrupt your ability to steer effectively, and simply steering in the direction you want the front of the car to go does not address the key issue of maintaining control over the rear, which is crucial in a skid situation. Understanding how to properly respond to skids can significantly enhance safety while driving.