What should you do to regain control after a skid?

To regain control after a skid, it's important to grip the steering wheel firmly and ease up on the accelerator. This response helps reduce speed gradually, allowing the tires to regain traction on the road surface. Skids often occur when the tires lose grip due to sudden acceleration, braking, or sharp steering maneuvers. By easing off the accelerator, you reduce the forces acting against the tires, which can help stabilize the vehicle.

Maintaining a firm grip on the steering wheel ensures that you can respond effectively to how the vehicle is reacting. Steering into the direction of the skid can also be a part of regaining control, but the primary action of easing up on the accelerator is crucial for stabilizing the vehicle before making further steering inputs.

In contrast, turning the steering wheel sharply can exacerbate the loss of control, while accelerating quickly during a skid can worsen the situation by maintaining or increasing the loss of traction. Changing gears immediately is generally not advisable, as it may not address the immediate loss of traction and could allow for further imbalance in the vehicle’s control.