If you start to skid, what should you do with the brakes?

When you start to skid, the correct action is to release the brakes and look and steer in the direction you want to go. This technique is essential in regaining control of your vehicle during a skid. When you maintain pressure on the brakes, it can cause your wheels to lock up, leading to a loss of steering control. Releasing the brakes allows the wheels to start turning again, which is vital for steering.

Looking and steering in the direction you wish to go helps you direct your vehicle out of the skid. This approach aligns your vehicle's front wheels with the direction of travel, enabling a smoother recovery. Properly executing this maneuver can help you avoid obstacles and regain control over the vehicle effectively.

It's important to remember that just looking forward or keeping a firm grip on the brakes is not effective during a skid, as it may lead to further loss of control. Thus, understanding how to correctly adjust your actions in a skidding situation is key to safe driving.