What is the first thing to do when a motor vehicle starts to skid?

When a vehicle starts to skid, the first and most crucial thing to do is to remain calm. Panic can lead to jerky movements and worsen the skid.

After staying calm, your next immediate action should be to:

• Take your foot off the pedals: Immediately remove your foot from both the accelerator and the brake. Avoid abrupt braking or acceleration, as this can exacerbate the skid. This helps to redistribute the vehicle's weight and allows the tires to regain traction.
• Steer in the direction of the skid: This is often counterintuitive, but it's essential for regaining control. If the rear of your car is sliding to the right, gently steer to the right. If it's sliding to the left, steer to the left. The goal is to steer into the skid. Once the vehicle begins to straighten, gently steer back to center.
• Avoid slamming on the brakes: In vehicles without <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Anti-lock%20Braking%20System">Anti-lock Braking System</a> (ABS), slamming on the brakes will likely lock the wheels and worsen the skid. In vehicles with ABS, apply firm and steady pressure to the brake pedal. You may feel the pedal pulsating; this is normal. Do not pump the brakes if your car has ABS.