If your commercial vehicle starts to skid, what is the recommended action?

When a commercial vehicle starts to skid, the recommended action is to steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go. This technique, often referred to as "steering into the skid," helps regain control of the vehicle. By steering in this manner, you align the front wheels with the direction of travel, allowing the vehicle's traction to be restored gradually.

This action is particularly important in a skid situation because it enables you to counteract the momentum that caused the skid in the first place. It helps to bring the rear of the vehicle in line with the front, ultimately stabilizing your driving path. Proper use of steering can effectively realign the vehicle back on course, reducing the chances of further skidding or spinning out.

In contrast, slamming on the brakes can exacerbate the skid by locking the wheels, leading to a loss of control. Accelerating during a skid may seem counterintuitive as it can increase speed and make it even harder to regain control. Turning the steering wheel sharply in the opposite direction is generally not effective as it can cause the vehicle to slide further out of control instead of correcting the skid.