What should a driver do if their vehicle starts to skid?

When a vehicle starts to skid, the appropriate response is to steer in the direction the driver wants the vehicle to go. This technique, often referred to as "steering into the skid," helps regain control of the vehicle. By turning the steering wheel in the same direction that the rear wheels are sliding, the driver can help realign the tires with the direction of travel and reduce the risk of spinning out. This approach allows the tires to regain traction on the road surface, enabling the driver to stabilize the vehicle.

In contrast, braking hard can cause the wheels to lock up, exacerbating the skid and potentially causing a loss of control. Turning off the engine is not a practical response during a skid, as it does not address the immediate need to regain steering control. Accelerating during a skid can make the situation worse, as it may lead to a further loss of traction and increase the risk of losing control. Thus, steering in the direction of intended travel is crucial for recovering from a skid effectively.