Iowa Drivers Permit Practice Test

When your car starts to skid, the appropriate response is to steer into the direction you want to go. This technique is often referred to as "steering into the skid." By doing this, you help realign the vehicle with the direction of travel, allowing it to regain traction and stability. This strategy works because it allows the tires to catch up with the direction that the car is moving, reducing the chances of spinning out.

In a skid, the vehicle is likely losing traction due to factors like wet roads, ice, or sudden maneuvers. By steering into the skid, you give the tires a better chance to grip the road, which is essential for regaining control. This method counters the natural tendency to steer away from the skid, which can worsen the situation.

The other options, such as braking sharply or accelerating, can exacerbate the loss of control during a skid. Sharp braking can cause the wheels to lock up, while accelerating can worsen the skid by making the vehicle move faster without traction. Steering in the opposite direction of the skid would lead to a counterproductive outcome, as it could redirect the vehicle into a spin instead of recovering control.