South Carolina Driver's Permit Practice Exam

What should you do if your vehicle starts to skid?

1. Steer in the opposite direction of the skid

2. Apply the brakes hard

3. Steer in the same direction as the skid

4. Turn off the engine

The correct answer is: Steer in the same direction as the skid

When your vehicle starts to skid, the correct response is to steer in the same direction as the skid. This method allows you to regain control of the vehicle and helps to align the wheels with the direction you want to go. When a vehicle skids, it can lose traction, making it difficult to control. By steering into the skid, you counteract the slide and can stabilize the vehicle, encouraging the tires to regain grip on the road. Applying the brakes hard, for instance, can exacerbate the skid, as locking up the wheels reduces the ability to steer and can lead to a complete loss of control. Steering in the opposite direction of the skid can also lead to a more severe loss of control, as it can create a sudden shift in the vehicle's balance. Turning off the engine is not a practical solution, as it does not assist in regaining control and can actually make the situation more dangerous by removing power from critical systems like power steering and power brakes. Understanding how to respond correctly can significantly improve your safety in such situations.