What Should You Do When Your Vehicle Starts to Skid?

Few driving experiences trigger panic quite like the moment when your vehicle starts to skid. Those terrifying seconds where you feel your tires lose their grip can change everything—potentially leading to serious accidents, injuries, or worse. Knowing exactly how to respond in these critical moments can make all the difference between regaining control and facing disaster.

What Can Cause Skidding While Driving?

Skidding happens when your vehicle’s tires lose traction with the road surface. This loss of grip commonly occurs on roads made slippery by ice, snow, slush, rain, or occasionally oil spills. Poor tire condition and insufficient tread depth can also contribute to skidding. 

Additionally, sudden stops or swerves can trigger skids, especially if you brake too hard and cause the tires to lock up. Excessive speed also contributes to these incidents; drivers who speed have less time to react to road hazards, which can lead to panic braking or sudden steering maneuvers that lead to skidding. While bad weather is one of the biggest risk factors, driver error or faulty vehicle components like brakes, tires, or steering systems can cause skids even in ideal conditions.

If you’ve been injured in an accident due to a skidding car, reach out to our St. George car accident attorneys today for legal representation.

Steps to Take When Your Vehicle Starts to Skid

When your vehicle starts to skid, your first instinct may be to slam on the brakes and try to steer away from the direction you are slipping. However, doing so can cause you to lose control completely and worsen the situation. Instead, follow these steps in this order:

• First, remove your feet from the pedals. Do not accelerate or brake at all.
• Next, turn your steering wheel in the same direction that the rear of your vehicle is sliding. Keep your movements smooth and deliberate.
• As the vehicle begins to straighten, gently adjust your steering. If the rear wheels slide the opposite way, ease the wheel in that new direction.
• Wait until you feel traction returning. Be patient and maintain your steering position. 
• Once you begin slowing down, apply gentle pressure to the brakes. Use light taps rather than slamming on the brakes hard.
• If you are sliding downhill, shift to neutral. This helps all four tires spin at the same speed for better traction.

Tips to Prevent Skidding on the Road

Prevention remains your best defense against dangerous skids. Adopting safe driving practices significantly reduces your skid risk and keeps you protected on the road. Keep the following tips in mind while driving in Utah:

• Maintain appropriate following distances to increase your reaction time.
• Reduce speed and increase following distances on wet, icy, or gravel roads.
• Keep your tires properly inflated and check your tread depth regularly.
• Stay alert to changing road conditions and other vehicles. 
• Use lower gears when navigating downhill stretches of road.
• Avoid cruise control on slippery surfaces. 

Involved in a Skidding-Related Accident? Speak with an Attorney Today

If you’ve been involved in a skidding accident in Utah, you may be entitled to financial compensation through an insurance claim or lawsuit. Whether you lost control and skidded into another vehicle or were struck by a driver who skidded into you, a St. George personal injury attorney can help you understand what to do next. Contact a lawyer at We Win Injury Law today to learn more about your legal options, protect your rights, and secure the resources needed for your recovery.