What is the first action to take in case of a skid?

In the event of a skid, the most effective first action is to ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction of the skid. This response helps regain control of the vehicle. When you encounter a skid, the vehicle's rear wheels lose traction, which is often accompanied by a loss of control. By easing off the accelerator, you allow the rear wheels to regain traction without making abrupt changes that could worsen the skid.

Steering in the direction of the skid is crucial because it aligns the front wheels with the direction the vehicle is sliding and helps to regain stability. This method aids in bringing the vehicle back onto its intended path rather than allowing it to veer off uncontrollably.

Other actions, such as braking hard or steering sharply, can exacerbate the loss of control and lead to an increased risk of further skidding or spinning out. Turning on hazard lights, while it can signal to other drivers that there is a problem, does not address the immediate need to control the vehicle and recover from the skid. Understanding the appropriate initial response in a skid situation is vital for safe driving practices.