content_image/795902.jpg
## think about 

Think about the road conditions before you start to drive. Will the weather conditions make the road slippery? You should be able to avoid skidding by making safe choices in the first place. The most likely cause of skidding is poor driving skills. 

## warning! 

Skids happen when drivers: 

• slam on the brakes 

• slam on the brakes and steer at the same time 

• go around a corner too fast 

• accelerate suddenly. 

## Skid control 

## You in the driver’s seat 

It’s a cold morning and you’re in a hurry to make it to work on time. You suddenly feel the vehicle isn’t responding when you turn the steering wheel. You press the brake. The back of the car swings to the right — you’ve hit ice! 

What should you do? 

Skids can happen any time the tires lose grip on the road. This can be caused by slippery surfaces, as in the scene above, or by changing speed or direction too suddenly. Environmental elements like rain and ice contribute to skidding, but poor driving skills are the main cause of skidding. The way to avoid skids is to use your see-think-do  skills. In slippery conditions, slow down. 

## Steps to handle a skid 

<img src='content_image/795902.jpg'>

The illustration shows what happens to your car when it skids and how you can regain control. The numbers in the illustration correspond to the following steps: 

1. You’re driving straight, but you fail to notice the patch of black ice ahead. 

2. As you drive over the black ice, the rear of your vehicle skids to the right. Ease off the accelerator, and look and steer smoothly in the direction you want to go. (In this case, steer to the right.) Don’t brake — this will make the situation worse. 

3. Now the rear of your vehicle skids to the left. (This is likely caused by overcorrecting in Step 2.) Stay off the accelerator, and steer smoothly in the direction you want to go. (In this case, steer to the left.) You may need to repeat Steps 2 and 3 until you regain control. 

4. Once you’ve regained control, continue driving with caution. 

