A 3-minute lesson from the Illinois course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Emergencies happen fast, and your first instinct is often wrong. Jerking the wheel or slamming the brakes can make things worse. Learn the right response now so you can use it without thinking.
Know the rule
A skid happens when tires lose traction. Ease off the gas pedal or brakes, steer in the direction of the skid until you regain traction, then straighten the vehicle.
If your wheels drift onto the shoulder, grip the wheel firmly, ease off the gas and brake gently. Check traffic behind you, then gently steer back onto the pavement. Don't jerk the wheel, which could send you into oncoming traffic.
People asleep in a running vehicle, or with it running in a garage, can die before they feel symptoms. Older people, infants and people with heart, lung or blood disorders are most at risk. Have your exhaust checked yearly, and never run a vehicle in an attached garage.
If fire forces you out, jump clear without touching the vehicle and the ground at the same time. Land on both feet and hop or shuffle away, arms close to your body.
Your rear wheels slide to the right on an icy curve. Ease off the gas and brakes, steer to the right (the direction of the skid) until the tires grip, then straighten out.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
If your vehicle starts to skid, what should you do?
Steer sharply opposite the skid direction
Brake hard immediately
Ease off and steer in the direction of the skid
Accelerate out of the skid
Answer: Ease off and steer in the direction of the skid
Ease off and steer into the skid direction until you regain traction.
