How to properly handle you vehicle if it begins to skid
The feeling that you are losing control of your vehicle is one that most people don’t soon forget after it happens. The reality is that in most cases you don’t see it coming. Your car can begin to skid in seconds from slick roads and black ice. Even an experienced driver can have their vehicle skid when driving in snowy and icy conditions.
Do you know what to do when your car begins to skid? If you don’t, these tips will help you become more confident in your ability to handle your vehicle when it skids:
- Remain calm: Getting tense and losing your cool can cause you to make the wrong decision when behind the wheel.
- Don’t slam on the breaks: Many people have a natural reaction to slam on the breaks when they begin to skid. This can make things worse.
- Steer into the skid: Yes, you read that correctly. Steering into the skid and turning your wheels in the direction of the skid will help you regain control.
- Ease up on the gas: Slowly remove your foot from the gas pedal. This will slow you down. Don’t use your brakes.
- No sudden movements: Refrain from making any sudden or jerky movements. Do things slowly and try to be as smooth as possible.
If you want to improve your control on the road during the winter months there are a couple things that you can do to help prevent skidding from occurring. First, equip you vehicle with a good pair of winter tires. This will give you more traction on the road.
Second, consider taking a winter time driving course to practice your winter driving skills in a more controlled environment. This will also help build your confidence if your vehicle happens to skid.
A final way to avoid skidding is to simply stay home when the roads are bad. Don’t go out if you don’t have to. But if you need to drive, slow down a little and drive according to road conditions. This will help ensure you get home safe and sound.