How should you control a skid?

• A. Apply the brakes gradually to regain traction
• B. Let off the gas, counter steer into the direction of skid, and do not apply brake until steering is reestablished
• C. Turn the wheel away from the skid and brake hard
• D. Accelerate to break the tire grip

Answer: (B)

When a vehicle starts to skid, the tires have lost grip, so the priority is to regain traction rather than fight the slide with brakes. Easing off the accelerator reduces the forces that caused the loss of grip, and turning the steering wheel into the direction the back of the car is sliding (counter-steering) helps realign the tires with the intended path. Braking hard or aggressively can lock wheels or push the car further out of control, and turning away from the skid only deepens the loss of grip. You should avoid braking until you feel the steering reestablish itself and the vehicle begins to straighten, then you can resume controlled braking if needed. This approach minimizes overcorrection and helps bring the car back under control smoothly.