What action should be taken if a vehicle skids on ice?

When a vehicle skids on ice, the recommended action is to steer in the direction of the skid. This technique helps to regain control over the vehicle by aligning the front wheels with the direction the rear wheels are sliding. For example, if the rear of the vehicle slides to the right, steering to the right allows the front wheels to regain traction and helps to stabilize the vehicle.

This approach is crucial because it counteracts the natural tendency of drivers to turn the steering wheel away from the skid, which can lead to a loss of control and exacerbate the situation. By steering into the skid, the driver can utilize the car's inertia and the dynamics of vehicle movement, promoting a quicker recovery from the skid.

In contrast, applying the brakes immediately can cause further loss of traction and potentially worsen the skid. Steering into oncoming traffic poses a significant risk of collision and should be avoided at all costs. Accelerating to regain control is typically counterproductive, as it can lead to an uncontrollable situation on slick surfaces. Therefore, correctly steering into the skid is the most effective response.