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What should you do if your vehicle starts to skid?

  1. Turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid

  2. Accelerate out of the skid

  3. Brake immediately to stop

  4. Turn the wheel in the opposite direction

The correct answer is: Turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid

When your vehicle starts to skid, turning the steering wheel in the direction of the skid is the recommended action because this helps you regain control. When the rear wheels lose traction, they will slide to the side, and directing the front wheels toward that same side helps align the vehicle's path with its current trajectory. This technique, often referred to as "steering into the skid," allows the driver to correct the path of the vehicle gradually without oversteering. In contrast, accelerating out of the skid can lead to a loss of control as it may exacerbate the slide. Braking immediately is generally not advisable either, as it can cause further loss of traction and potentially lead to a more severe skid. Lastly, turning the wheel in the opposite direction can lead to overcorrection, which can make the vehicle spin instead of regain control. Thus, steering into the skid is the most effective technique for managing a skid situation safely.