Practice question

What should you do if your vehicle starts to skid?

  1. Apply the brakes firmly
  2. Steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go
  3. Turn the steering wheel rapidly from side to side
  4. Close your eyes until it stops skidding

Answer: B — Steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go

When your vehicle starts to skid, the appropriate response is to steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go. This technique is known as "steering into the skid." When skidding, the rear wheels lose traction, and the car may begin to turn in one direction. By turning the steering wheel in the direction you want the vehicle to go, you help to regain control and stabilize the vehicle. This approach helps align the tires with the road surface, allowing the vehicle to regain traction. It is also important to avoid sharp movements with the steering wheel, as this can make the skid worse. Instead, smooth and gentle steering is key in recovering from a skid. Maintaining a level of calm and focusing on where you want to go is crucial to effectively handling this challenging situation.

Practice more: Delaware Defensive Driving Practice Test →