Practice question

How do you react if your vehicle starts to skid?

  1. Steer in the opposite direction of the skid
  2. Accelerate to regain control
  3. Brake hard
  4. Turn the wheel in the direction of the skid

Answer: A — Steer in the opposite direction of the skid

When a vehicle starts to skid, the appropriate reaction is to turn the wheel in the direction of the skid. This technique helps realign the vehicle's wheels with its direction of motion, which can assist in regaining control. By steering into the skid, the driver allows the front tires to regain traction, reducing the risk of further sliding or an uncontrolled spin. In contrast, steering in the opposite direction would exacerbate the skid, as it can lead to a counterproductive action that does not address the underlying loss of traction. Accelerating in a skid typically makes the situation worse, as it increases speed and worsens control. Braking hard can also lead to loss of control, especially if the wheels lock up, which may cause the vehicle to skid even more. Therefore, turning the wheel in the direction of the skid is the most effective technique to stabilize the vehicle during such a situation.

Practice more: NC CDL General Knowledge Practice Test →