How Do You Drive Out of a Skid?

Straighten up! Learn to drive out of a skid.

When your car skids you are momentarily out of control behind the wheel. This is an awful feeling and can ruin the moment-by-moment confidence you need in order to be a safe driver. Recover your composure and collect your wits by "driving into the skid." This is the surest way to correct the skid.

Instructions

1. Remove your foot from the accelerator in a careful, fluid movement.

2. Align your wheels straight down the road, in the direction you want your car to go. This is called "driving into the skid."

3. Straighten the wheel immediately when the wheels begin to align. Failure to do so immediately might send you skidding in the opposite direction.

4. Continue to counter-steer and straighten your wheels as necessary until you recover control.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not apply pressure to the brakes if you don't have anti-lock brakes. If you do, you may brake while performing each of the steps.

References

• GoColumbiaMO.com: Winter Driving
• Road Trip America: Driving out of a Skid
• Weather.com: Skidding and Hydroplaning in Rainy Conditions