Alberta Motor Association (AMA) Learner’s Practice Exam

When you experience a skid, the best approach is to steer in the direction you want to go and avoid slamming on the brakes. This technique is effective because it helps to regain control of the vehicle. When the wheels lose traction, turning in the direction of your intended path aligns the front wheels with the path you're aiming for. This can help the tires regain grip on the road surface, allowing the vehicle to straighten out.

Avoiding sudden braking is also crucial during a skid. Slamming on the brakes can exacerbate the loss of traction, making it more difficult to control the vehicle. Instead, gentle steering combined with gradual acceleration (if the tires regain traction) is a safer maneuver.

The other approaches, such as sharply turning in the opposite direction or braking instantly, would likely lead to a loss of control and could worsen the skid. Shifting to a lower gear can help slow the vehicle down but is not as effective in helping you regain steering control in that moment of skid.