Why Turn the Steering Wheel Towards the Side of the Skid?
3 Answers
Turning the steering wheel towards the side of the skid is for appropriate correction, which aims to increase the sliding friction of the front wheels and the vehicle's directional stability. If you don't turn the steering wheel towards the side of the skid for appropriate correction, the car may fishtail (drift) or even roll over. Here is some relevant information: Car skidding: Car skidding refers to the sudden movement of the rear of the car to the left or right. If this occurs, you need to steer in the direction the rear is moving to correct it. If you steer in the opposite direction, the car may end up sideways on the road, spin around, or even roll over. Types of skidding: There are three types of car skidding: four-wheel skid, front-wheel skid, and rear-wheel skid. Car skidding, especially rear-wheel skidding, poses a significant threat to safe driving and often leads to severe traffic accidents such as collisions, rollovers, or running off the road.
Over the years of driving, I've experienced several instances of skidding, especially on slippery roads. The reason for turning the steering wheel in the direction of the skid is to help the vehicle regain balance. You might think turning the opposite way would pull it back, but in reality, skidding occurs when the wheels lose traction and the vehicle slides due to inertia. Turning the steering wheel in the direction of the skid adjusts the front wheels' direction to align with the sliding path, allowing them to regain friction and pull the vehicle back on track. This is based on the principles of physics: the coordination of center of gravity movement and tire friction. Not doing so would only worsen the skid, potentially leading to loss of control or even a rollover. Staying calm while driving is crucial, and checking tire wear before rainy or snowy weather can prevent problems. Remember, safety always comes first.
If you've learned safe driving techniques in driving school like I have, you'd know to immediately steer into the direction of a skid. This counterintuitive move actually helps quickly regain control. Simply put, during a skid, the rear wheels lose traction first and slide sideways. Turning the steering wheel to align the front wheels with the skid direction makes them act as pivot points, helping the vehicle straighten out. I often remind beginners to practice this maneuver in training areas to avoid panicked overcorrection. In real situations, this action must be decisive - hesitation can turn minor incidents into disasters. Maintain moderate speeds, safe following distances, and regular maintenance to minimize risks. Worn tires or improper inflation increase skid risks, so never overlook these details.
