Driving getting out of control?

Even the most seasoned drivers can find themselves in a skid—especially during winter or on wet roads. Knowing how to react quickly and correctly can make all the difference between a close call and a collision. Here’s a refresher on how to handle skids with confidence and control.

What Causes a Skid?

Skids happen when your tyres lose grip on the road. This can be due to:

• Sudden braking
• Sharp steering
• Accelerating too quickly
• Driving on ice, snow, or wet surfaces

There are two main types of skids: front-wheel (understeer) and rear-wheel (oversteer). Each requires a different response.

1. Stay Calm and Don’t Panic

Your first instinct might be to slam the brakes or jerk the wheel—but resist it. Sudden movements can make the skid worse.

2. Front-Wheel Skid (Understeer)

This happens when your car continues straight despite turning the wheel.

What to do:

• Ease off the accelerator.
• Gently steer in the direction you want to go.
• Avoid braking hard—let the tyres regain traction naturally.

3. Rear-Wheel Skid (Oversteer)

This occurs when the back of your car slides out, often during a turn.

What to do:

• Steer into the skid. If the rear slides left, steer left.
• Ease off the accelerator.
• Avoid braking unless absolutely necessary.

4. Four-Wheel Skid. This is usually caused by hard braking on a slippery surface.

What to do:

• Take your foot off the brake.
• Steer in the direction of the skid.
• Once traction returns, gently brake if needed.

5. Prevention Is Key

While knowing how to react is vital, avoiding skids altogether is even better:

• Drive smoothly—avoid sudden inputs.
• Keep tyres properly inflated and check tread depth.
• Slow down in poor conditions.
• Avoid cruise control on slippery roads.

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Final Thought

Skids are scary, but with the right technique, they’re manageable. Practice makes perfect—consider a winter driving course to sharpen your skills. Stay alert, stay smooth, and let your experience guide you through.