Practice question

What is the safest action when your car begins to skid?

  1. Steer into the skid
  2. Brake hard
  3. Turn off the engine
  4. Accelerate to regain control

Answer: A — Steer into the skid

When your car begins to skid, the safest action is to steer into the skid. This technique helps you regain control of the vehicle by aligning the front wheels with the direction of the skid. When you steer into the skid, your vehicle's rear wheels can regain traction, which helps stabilize the car and reduces the risk of a spin or further loss of control. In contrast, braking hard can worsen the skid by transferring weight to the front tires, which may lead to a loss of traction. Turning off the engine does not address the underlying issue of skid control and can leave you unable to respond effectively. Accelerating in a skid is highly dangerous, as it can further exacerbate the loss of control and increase the likelihood of an accident. Therefore, steering into the skid is essential for regaining control and maintaining safety on the road.

Practice more: Steer Clear State Farm Safe Driver Practice Test →