What should a driver do immediately if their vehicle begins to skid?

• A. Apply the brakes firmly
• B. Turn into the skid and steer straight
• C. Accelerate to gain control
• D. Turn away from the skid

Answer: (B)

When a vehicle begins to skid, the immediate response should be to turn into the skid while maintaining control of the steering. This means that if the rear end of the vehicle is sliding out to the left, you should steer left. By doing this, you counteract the skid and help to realign the vehicle back onto the intended path.

This technique stabilizes the vehicle by allowing the front wheels to regain traction as the vehicle naturally responds to the steering input, making it easier to regain control. Timing and gentle movements are crucial here, as overcorrecting can lead to further loss of control.

Other actions, such as applying brakes firmly, can lead to a loss of traction and worsen the skid. Similarly, accelerating during a skid is counterproductive, as it can increase the speed of the skid and make recovery more difficult. Turning away from the skid does not address the underlying problem and may result in a spin-out situation, as it does not help align the vehicle with the direction of travel.