In Idaho, what should you do if your vehicle starts to skid?

When a vehicle begins to skid, the appropriate response is to steer in the direction of the skid and avoid braking. This technique helps regain control of the vehicle by allowing the wheels to re-establish traction with the road surface. When the driver steers into the skid, it helps to align the tires with the direction of travel, reducing the chances of spinning out or sliding further.

Braking hard can worsen the situation by locking up the wheels, which would result in a complete loss of steering control. Accelerating during a skid can also lead to instability, as it may cause the vehicle to slide more. Turning off the ignition is unsafe and impractical in a skid situation, as it would disable essential systems like power steering and brakes, making it harder to control the vehicle.

Understanding these actions is crucial for safe driving, as skids can occur unexpectedly, especially in adverse weather conditions.