What should you do if your car suddenly moves into a rear-wheel skid?

When your car experiences a rear-wheel skid, the most effective response is to come off the pedals and steer in the direction of where you want the front of the car to go, often referred to as "steering into the skid." This action allows the front tires to regain traction and helps you maintain control of the vehicle.

In a rear-wheel skid, the back of the car is sliding out towards one side, and by steering into the skid, you are effectively counteracting the slide and aligning the vehicle back onto its intended path. This method promotes stability and helps prevent further loss of control.

The other options can lead to worsening the skid or losing control altogether. For instance, braking hard during a skid can cause the wheels to lock up, making the situation worse, while turning sharply opposite to the skid can lead to oversteering and complications. Accelerating in a skid typically exacerbates the problem, as it increases the speed at which the rear wheels are sliding. Understanding how to manage skids effectively is crucial for safe driving.