What should you do if your vehicle begins to slide on an icy surface?

What should you do if your vehicle begins to slide on an icy surface?

• A. Steer into the slide and avoid overcorrecting.
• B. Steer opposite to the direction of the skid.
• C. Slam on the brakes to stop the skid.
• D. Accelerate to regain traction.

Answer: (A)

When ice reduces traction, steer into the direction of the skid to help the tires realign with the path you want to go and regain grip. Steering into the slide prevents you from fighting the motion in the opposite direction, which can cause a spin if you overcorrect. Avoid abrupt moves or overcorrecting, because that can throw the car the other way. Don’t slam on the brakes or mash the accelerator—ease off the gas and steer gently. As the vehicle straightens, continue steering to maintain your intended path.

When ice reduces traction, steer into the direction of the skid to help the tires realign with the path you want to go and regain grip. Steering into the slide prevents you from fighting the motion in the opposite direction, which can cause a spin if you overcorrect. Avoid abrupt moves or overcorrecting, because that can throw the car the other way. Don’t slam on the brakes or mash the accelerator—ease off the gas and steer gently. As the vehicle straightens, continue steering to maintain your intended path.