If your vehicle starts to skid, what should you do first?

When your vehicle starts to skid, the first step you should take is to ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want to go. This approach is effective because it helps to regain traction and control of the vehicle. Easing off the accelerator reduces the speed and allows the tires to regain their connection with the road surface, which is essential during a skid.

Steering in the direction you want to go aligns the front wheels with your intended path, helping to guide the vehicle back on course. This method is particularly effective because it counters the loss of control caused by oversteering or braking too hard, which can worsen the skid.

Options that suggest braking hard or sharply turning the steering wheel are likely to lead to further loss of control. Similarly, accelerating is counterproductive during a skid, as it would increase the vehicle's speed and worsen the situation. Therefore, the right action emphasizes maintaining smooth control and guiding the vehicle, which is critical when recovering from a skid.