Practice question

What should you do if your vehicle starts to skid?

  1. Steer in the opposite direction of the skid and slam on the brakes
  2. Steer in the direction you want to go and avoid slamming on the brakes
  3. Steer straight and accelerate
  4. Turn off the engine immediately

Answer: B — Steer in the direction you want to go and avoid slamming on the brakes

If your vehicle starts to skid, the correct response is to steer in the direction you want to go and avoid slamming on the brakes. This approach helps regain control of your vehicle. When you steer in the direction of the skid, it aligns the wheels with the path you intend to travel, which can stabilize the vehicle and prevent a complete loss of control. By avoiding heavy braking, you reduce the risk of locking up the tires, which can exacerbate the skid and lead to further loss of control. Other responses would lead to unsafe outcomes. For instance, steering in the opposite direction of the skid could cause the vehicle to spin out, while slamming on the brakes can worsen the skid by causing the tires to lose traction. Accelerating or turning off the engine could also result in a loss of control or complicate the situation further. Understanding the right technique for handling a skid is crucial for maintaining safety while driving, especially in adverse weather conditions.

Practice more: Ohio Top Driver Practice Test →