What to Do First If Your Vehicle Starts to Skid

Take Control: What to Do When Your Vehicle Starts to Skid

If you’ve ever found yourself behind the wheel during a winter snowstorm or on a slippery road, you probably know that feeling of anxiety as your car starts to slide. What should you do first? The answer can mean the difference between regaining control or spiraling into chaos. Today, let’s take a close look at the correct steps to take when your vehicle begins to skid.

The Right Move: Steer into the Skid

Here’s the thing: if your vehicle starts to skid, the smartest thing you can do is steer in the direction of the skid. It might sound counterintuitive, but this simple maneuver can help you regain control more effectively than any other reaction you might be tempted to try.

Imagine this scenario: you’re driving along, maybe enjoying your favorite playlist. Suddenly, your car loses traction, and the back end starts to slide left. What do you do? Do you accelerate? Do you slam on the brakes? Nope. You gently steer right in the direction of the skid. By doing this, you’re aligning the front wheels with where you actually want to go, which stabilizes your ride.

The Science Behind Steering

Now, let’s break this down a bit. When you steer into the skid, you’re helping shift the weight of the car back onto the tires that still have grip on the road. This is key for regaining traction. If you happen to skid to the right, you’ll steer right; a skid to the left calls for a left turn. It’s just about working with the physics of your vehicle.

But what about the idea of hitting the gas? Let’s be honest, you might be tempted to accelerate just to regain some sense of control. But here’s a little secret: doing so can actually worsen the situation. You could end up losing even more control, which is certainly not the goal. In the heat of the moment, this reaction might be instinctive, but resisting that impulse could save not just your car, but maybe even your life.

Don’t Panic; Here’s What NOT to Do

So you know what to do—steer into the skid—but what about the pitfalls? Here are a couple of the big “no-no’s” when you find yourself skidding:

• Braking Hard: You might think slamming on the brakes will stop your car. In reality, it can cause the wheels to lock up, taking away your ability to steer. Not ideal, right?

• Accelerating Rapidly: Accelerating during a skid is like throwing gasoline onto a fire. Instead of regaining control, you amplify instability, making the situation worse.

Taking a deep breath is often overlooked but can genuinely help. It steadies your nerves so you can focus on making the right choices.

The Power of Practice

While we aren’t talking about preparing for exams, let’s face it—experience is the best teacher. If you can, get familiar with different driving conditions. What’s that old saying? "Practice makes perfect." But in this case, it’s less about perfection and more about comfort. The more you experience various driving scenarios, the better prepared you’ll be when things go sideways.

Snowy, icy, or wet conditions should inspire respect and caution. The road can be as unpredictable as a pop quiz, and staying sharp in all weather conditions will serve you well.

What Happens in a Real Emergency

Let’s zoom in on a real-world example. Say you’re cruising along, the road seems dry, and suddenly, a patch of black ice appears. Your car begins to skid left. What do you do?

By steering left, you’d help keep your front wheels pointed in the direction of the road. What follows is a moment of pure connection between the driver and the vehicle. You might feel a rush of adrenaline, but that’s okay! You’re using your training in instinctual responses. To anyone watching, it might seem effortless, but that’s the beauty of skill—developed through practice and experience, much like an artist’s craft.

Conclusion: Stay Calm and Keep Learning

When it comes to handling skids, remember the golden rule: steer into the skid. By doing so, you’ll realign your vehicle and regain control. It’s crucial to stay cool under pressure. We’ve all been there, feeling that rush as our hearts race. But with the right knowledge and mindset, you can convert a potentially dangerous situation into an opportunity to showcase solid driving skills.

And as you drive through all those seasons—because let’s face it, driving in Saskatchewan can feel like a game of weather roulette—keep this simple rule at your fingertips. Practice steering techniques, stay alert, and embrace the journey. Who knows, the next time you encounter a slippery patch, you may just surprise yourself with how smoothly you navigate it!