How to Recover from a Skid While Driving on Ice

[moh]

Anyone who's driven on ice and snow has probably been faced with an unpredictable skid when their tires break free. As the rear end of your car fishtails back and forth, a thousand negative outcomes run through your mind. Skidding on ice and snow is often inevitable. But it needn't mean an impending accident if you follow these directions.

Step 1

At the first sign that your rear tires have broken free and are providing no traction, take your foot off of the accelerator. This will automatically reduce your speed and often times will be all you need to do to regain control of your vehicle.

Step 1a
Do not apply your brakes whilst skidding this will only make matters far worse.

Step 2

Without over-reacting, slowly turn the steering wheel in the direction that the rear end is moving. For instance, if the rear end of the car is fishtailing to the left, steer to the left.

Step 3

Try not to overcompensate with steering. If the car's rear end begins to fishtail to the other side, slowly steer in that direction.

Step 4

It is common for the rear end to fishtail to the left and right multiple times. Stay calm and continue to steer in the direction of the rear end until the car's path straightens out.

Step 5

If necessary, stop the vehicle after it has righted itself and collect your thoughts. If you suspect that your vehicle has hit something, put the vehicle in Park, turn off the engine and inspect the vehicle for damage.




Try to maintain your composure during the spin-out.

Keep your eyes open for other traffic. It is imperative to avoid hitting another vehicle if at all possible.

Don't over react to the situation. Make gradual corrections
Never accelerate during a spin. It will only make matters worse.
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[hadmad]

great post moh

 

[Gman496]

It is indeed a good post moh

I'm a little surprised though that they don't mention to "Never hit the brake"?

-

 

[sinno]

Great post moh,not for the all wheel drive thou as i found out before christmass,thankfully i didnt hit anything

 

[dee]

nice post moh.

Gman hitting the brakes is the fun part.:happy:

 

[wheelo]

great post, very timely, with the weather that we are having at the moment

 

[dan-ger-ous]

Nice post moh, my dads car just about recovered from a skid when i was being dropped off to college, coming to think of it, it was more of a drift. lol

 

[moh]

It is indeed a good post moh

I'm a little surprised though that they don't mention to "Never hit the brake"?

-

I meant to put that in G and just have (the most important part) ...stay away from the brake pedal but forgot :doh: thanks for pointing that out