What should a driver do when their vehicle begins to skid?

When a vehicle begins to skid, the appropriate action a driver should take is to steer gently in the direction they want the front of the vehicle to go. This technique is known as "steering into the skid," and it helps to regain traction by allowing the rear wheels to align with the front wheels, stabilizing the vehicle.

Maintaining a gentle and controlled steering movement is crucial because abrupt or harsh steering can exacerbate the skid and lead to a loss of control. By focusing on the direction the driver wishes to go, they can guide the vehicle safely out of the skid while avoiding further complications.

Other responses would lead to unsafe outcomes; for instance, braking hard can cause the wheels to lock up, worsening the skid situation. Sharply turning the steering wheel could provoke a more significant loss of control or spin-out. Accelerating can also reduce traction and control, making it harder to recover from the skid. Hence, the best practice when skidding is to steer gently towards the desired path of travel.