A skid happens when a vehicle’s tires lose traction with the road surface.
This can cause the vehicle to slide uncontrollably, usually on slippery surfaces such as wet, icy, or oily roads.
Skidding is dangerous because it reduces steering control and increases the risk of accidents.
Skidding is a common cause of road accidents, but it can be managed or prevented by:
Staying calm and avoiding panic
Steering in the correct direction (toward the skid or desired path)
Avoiding sudden acceleration or braking
Maintaining proper vehicle care and adjusting speed for road conditions
TYPES OF SKIDS
Front-wheel skid (understeer)
Occurs when the front wheels lose traction.
The vehicle continues straight even when the driver tries to turn.
Common causes: Oversteering, braking too hard, or accelerating too fast on slippery roads.
Rear-wheel skid (oversteer)
Occurs when the rear wheels lose traction.
The back of the vehicle slides sideways.
Common causes: Sudden acceleration, sharp turns, or braking hard on the rear wheels.
Four-wheel skid
Occurs when all wheels lose traction.
Usually happens on ice, wet roads, or loose gravel when braking or accelerating too fast.
CAUSES OF SKIDDING
Wet, icy, or snowy roads
Loose gravel or sand
Oil or fuel spills on the road
Worn-out tires with low tread
Excessive speed in poor road conditions
Sudden braking or sharp steering
HOW TO RECOGNIZE A SKID
Car slides or drifts sideways
Loss of steering control
Wheels spinning without moving the car forward
Vehicle fishtails or swerves unexpectedly
HOW TO CONTROL A SKID (STEP BY STEP)
Front-wheel skid (understeer)
Take your foot off the accelerator, don’t brake suddenly.
Steer gently in the direction you want to go.
Avoid oversteering or sudden movements, smooth control is key.
Once traction returns, gently accelerate.
Rear-wheel skid (oversteer)
Take your foot off the accelerator immediately.
Steer in the direction of the skid (turn the steering wheel where the rear is sliding).
Avoid slamming the brakes, braking can worsen the skid.
Once the vehicle straightens, stabilize it and drive slowly.
Four-wheel skid
Remove your foot from the accelerator and brake.
Look and steer toward a safe path.
Do not make sudden turns or braking actions.
If your car has anti-lock brakes (ABS), apply steady pressure on the brake; if not, pump the brakes gently.
SKID PREVENTION TIPS
Drive at safe speeds – slow down in rain, snow, or ice.
Maintain tires properly – check tread depth and tire pressure.
Avoid sudden maneuvers – gentle acceleration, braking, and steering.
Keep a safe following distance – increases reaction time.
Use low gears in slippery conditions – improves traction.
Avoid overloading your vehicle – excess weight affects control.
Plan your route – avoid steep slopes, sharp turns, and flooded areas when possible.
SPECIAL TIPS FOR EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
If you hit ice: Keep calm, don’t brake harshly, steer smoothly, and let the car slow naturally.
If you hydroplane on water: Ease off the accelerator, steer straight, avoid sudden braking, and wait until tires regain contact with the road.
If brakes fail: Downshift gradually, use the emergency brake carefully, and steer to safety.