While driving in icy weather, your vehicle unexpectedly enters a rear-wheel skid on a patch of black ice. What is the correct sequence of actions to safely regain control of your vehicle?
- 1Take your foot off the accelerator smoothly without stepping on the brake pedal.
- 2Turn the steering wheel smoothly in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go.
- 3Apply gentle counter-steering as the vehicle realigns to avoid fishtailing in the opposite direction.
- 4Straighten the steering wheel and proceed cautiously once full traction is restored.
Answer
To safely recover from a skid on black ice, first ease off the accelerator without braking, then steer in the direction you want the car to travel, counter-steer gently as the car realigns to prevent overcorrecting, and finally straighten the wheel to continue driving safely once traction is restored.
Smooth, deliberate control inputs are required during a skid on ice. Taking your foot off the accelerator allows tires to regain rolling grip without locking up. Steering toward your target path aligns the front tires, and gentle counter-steering prevents overcorrection before straightening out to full control.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Skid recovery steps in low-traction conditions