What should a driver do when they begin to skid?

When a driver begins to skid, the appropriate response involves both turning the steering wheel in the direction of the skid and reducing pressure on the gas pedal. This combination of actions helps to regain control of the vehicle by aligning the wheels with the direction of travel, which is crucial for steering effectively during a skid.

Turning the wheel in the direction of the skid allows the driver to counteract the momentum that caused the spin, reducing the chance of losing control completely. Simultaneously reducing pressure on the accelerator helps to decrease speed, which can also aid in regaining traction and stabilizing the vehicle. Engaging both responses works together to maximize the driver's ability to recover from a skid safely.

This dual approach is essential because doing only one of the actions might not effectively address the situation. For example, merely turning the steering wheel without reducing acceleration could lead to oversteering, while reducing acceleration alone without steering could cause the vehicle to remain out of control. Thus, performing both actions harmonizes the driver's response when faced with a skid and is aligned with safe driving practices.