What should you do if your vehicle begins to skid on the roadway?

If your vehicle begins to skid on the roadway, the appropriate action is to steer in the same direction as the skid. This technique helps regain traction and control of the vehicle. When the rear wheels skid, the front wheels lose grip, causing the car to rotate. By steering into the skid, you align the wheels with the direction you want to go, which can help the vehicle to stabilize and regain traction.

For example, if the back of your car is sliding to the right, you should steer right. This movement encourages the car to straighten out rather than exacerbate the skid. It's important to avoid overcorrecting, as that can lead to additional skidding or loss of control.

Accelerating is not a safe choice in this situation, as it can worsen the skid and make it difficult to regain control. Applying the brakes firmly can cause the wheels to lock up, which can prevent you from steering effectively and may increase the likelihood of losing control. Quickly turning the wheel left and right can create a jerking motion that hinders the ability to regain traction and control during a skid. Instead, a smooth adjustment to your steering is the most effective approach.