Would you know what to do if your vehicle skids?

Here at KDS Road Safety is very important to us all and we are continuously spreading the messages to make the roads safer and to ensure that everyone has the knowledge they require to stay safe. As the bad weather continues and temperatures continue to plummet, it is important that people know what to do should their car go into a skid.

So, here’s today’s quiz question to test your knowledge!  

If you are driving along a road in icy conditions and you find your car going into a skid, should you:

a. Slam on the brakes and keep the pedal pushed down

b. Lightly apply the brakes

c. Turn the steering wheel into the skid

d. Turn the steering wheel against the skid

As the rear end of your car fishtails back and forth, a thousand negative outcomes run through your mind, but knowing what to do means an accident isn’t the inevitable outcome!

(b) and (c) are the correct answers to this question. If you go into a skid on an icy road you should try to regain steering control of the car by steering gently into the skid (eg if the rear of the car is moving left steer left) and remember to do this slowly without over reacting. When you have managed this, lower your gear and apply the brakes lightly, pumping them, rather than slamming them on.

Other things to remember:

Try to maintain your composure during the spin-out.

Keep your eyes open for other traffic. It is imperative to avoid hitting another vehicle if at all possible.

Don't over react to the situation. Make gradual corrections

Never accelerate during a spin. It will only make matters worse.

If you need to, find somewhere safe to pull over after the skid and get your emotions back under control before you start driving again.

Posted by Kate Sutherland on 02 December 2010 in : KDS Training, Kidd's Distribution Services - KDS Distribution, Road Safety

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