How to Adjust Direction When a Vehicle Skids?
2 Answers
If the front wheels skid, maintain the throttle and correct the direction to steer out of the skid. When the rear wheels skid, turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid and straighten the rear wheels before returning to the lane. If encountering rear-wheel skid while going downhill, gently press the throttle to increase speed slightly, then resume normal speed after the skid is corrected. There are three methods to adjust for vehicle skidding: 1. If a sudden skid occurs while driving, immediately release the brake pedal and quickly turn the steering wheel toward the skidding side. 2. Never use emergency braking on icy or snowy roads, as it won't stop the vehicle but may worsen the skid or even cause a rollover. 3. Avoid sudden steering or braking; instead, immediately release the brake pedal, turn the steering wheel toward the skidding side, and adjust the direction promptly to continue driving safely.
I've been driving for decades and have encountered skids multiple times. The most harrowing experience was on an icy rain-slicked road when the car's rear wheels suddenly fishtailed to the left. I immediately calmly steered to the right—it's crucial to turn the wheel in the opposite direction of the skid. Avoid slamming on the brakes; gradually easing off the accelerator is vital at that moment. Once the speed decreased, the car stabilized. Afterward, I went to a repair shop to check the tire tread and pressure to ensure good traction. Don't slack on regular maintenance, especially switching to winter tires before the cold season, which can significantly reduce such incidents. Remember this simple but critical maneuver: counter-steer to straighten the car, stay calm, and operate slowly.
