If your car starts to skid, what is the correct response?

• A. Brake suddenly to regain control
• B. Turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction
• C. Ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want to go
• D. Pull over immediately to the side of the road

Answer: (C)

When a car starts to skid, the correct response is to ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want to go. This technique is important because it helps to regain control of the vehicle without making sudden movements that could worsen the skid. Easing off the accelerator reduces the power to the wheels, allowing them to regain grip on the road surface.

Steering into the direction you wish to go helps align the vehicle's wheels with the intended path and can correct the skidding motion. It's crucial to remain calm and avoid oversteering, as this can lead to further loss of control.

In contrast, braking suddenly could lock the wheels, making the skid more severe and preventing the driver from regaining control. Turning the steering wheel in the opposite direction might seem intuitive but can result in an uncontrollable spin. Pulling over immediately may not be the best action in a skid situation, as it does not address the immediate need to regain control of the vehicle.