How should you recover from a skid on a wet or icy road?

• A. Brake hard to regain control
• B. Turn the wheel away from the skid abruptly
• C. Steer in the direction you want to go, brake gently if needed, and avoid overcorrecting
• D. Pump the brakes quickly to regain traction

Answer: (C)

When you skid on a wet or icy road, traction is compromised, so the goal is to regain control with smooth, deliberate inputs. Steer in the direction you want to go, because the car will tend to continue sliding in the current direction and a gentle turn helps the tires regain grip as you straighten out. Avoid overcorrecting with sharp or sudden steering, which can swing the car the other way or spin you out. Ease off the accelerator to reduce stopping or accelerating force, and brake gently if you can do so without locking the wheels. If your vehicle has ABS, you can apply steady braking while steering, but the emphasis remains on smooth control and avoiding abrupt inputs. Braking hard, abrupt steering, or pumping the brakes quickly on a skid can lock wheels or unsettle the car further, making the skid worse.