A 3-minute lesson from the Louisiana course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Skids usually start when you turn or stop suddenly on slippery pavement. Rollovers start when a sliding vehicle gets 'tripped.' Both are mostly prevented by controlling your speed and steering smoothly.
Know the rule
Only about 1 of every 40 vehicles in police-reported crashes rolls over, yet 1 of every 3 passenger-vehicle occupant deaths happens in rollovers.
A sliding vehicle can be tripped into a rollover by a curb, guardrail, tree stump or soft, uneven ground. SUVs, vans, pickups and small trucks roll more easily because of their higher center of gravity; extra cargo and passengers add risk.
In a skid, look and steer where you want to go and be ready to counter-steer. Without ABS, avoid braking (pump lightly if necessary). With ABS, brake firmly as you steer.
Prevent skids by steering and braking with a light touch. When slowing, keep mild pressure on the brake rather than braking hard or locking the wheels.
If you hydroplane, don't brake or turn suddenly; ease off the gas until you feel the road. Brake gently with light pumps, or normally with ABS. Drive in the tire tracks of cars ahead and stay away from puddles.
Works with ABS: compares where you steer with where the car goes and brakes individual wheels to reduce skidding. Steer toward where you're looking; avoid abrupt steering.
On a wet curve, your car's rear end slides to the right. Ease off the gas, steer right just enough to keep the front heading down the road, and straighten out as it recovers. Don't brake hard.
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 the rear of your car starts to skid, what should you do with the steering wheel?
Steer in the direction the rear of the car is skidding
Steer opposite the direction of the skid
Keep the wheel perfectly straight
Turn the wheel as sharply as possible
Answer: Steer in the direction the rear of the car is skidding
Steering into the direction of the skid helps realign the rear of the vehicle with the front.
