How should you react if you start to skid while driving?

When you start to skid while driving, steering into the skid is the appropriate reaction as it helps you regain control of the vehicle. This technique works because, in a rear-wheel skid, the back of the car is sliding outwards. By steering into the direction where the back of the vehicle is sliding, you align the wheels with the direction of travel. This action helps to counteract the skid, allowing the tires to regain traction and stabilize the vehicle.

For example, if your car skids to the right, you should turn the steering wheel to the right. This adjustment enables the weight of the vehicle to redistribute more evenly, improving grip and helping you steer back onto your intended path.

In contrast, braking hard or accelerating while skidding can worsen the situation, as they may cause loss of traction or destabilize the vehicle further. Turning the steering wheel away from the skid can lead to oversteering, potentially resulting in a spin or loss of control. By focusing on steering into the skid, you are effectively using the vehicle's design and physics to help recover from a loss of control.