Washington Written Drivers Permit Practice Test

What should a driver do if their vehicle starts to skid?

1. Brake hard immediately

2. Steer in the opposite direction of the skid

3. Remove their foot from the accelerator and steer in the direction they want to go

4. Turn on hazard lights

The correct answer is: Remove their foot from the accelerator and steer in the direction they want to go

When a vehicle begins to skid, the most effective action for a driver to take is to remove their foot from the accelerator and steer in the direction they want to go. This technique helps regain control of the vehicle and can prevent further skidding. In a skid, the tires lose traction with the road surface, making it essential for the driver to avoid actions that could worsen the loss of control. By removing their foot from the accelerator, the driver decreases the vehicle's speed, allowing the tires a better chance to grip the road again. Steering in the direction they want to go directs the vehicle back on its intended path, which is crucial for recovery during a skid. In contrast to this method, braking hard can lead to a loss of control, as it may cause the wheels to lock and further reduce traction. Steering in the opposite direction of the skid would not effectively stabilize the vehicle, as it does not direct the car back onto its intended path, leading to potential overcorrection. Lastly, turning on hazard lights does not help regain control during a skid and is more of a precautionary measure to alert other drivers after the situation has stabilized.