The chances of a vehicle sliding or skidding on the road are many. Standing water, snow or ice can transform into asphalt in a water shield. Even if there is slightest mist, it can mix with the oils on the road and will send your tires groping for some grip. The driver plays a major role from avoiding his or her vehicle from entering the skid mode. Whenever a skid occurs you do not get time to think about it and plan for your recovery. For this reason, you must know how to control skid and to turn the wheel in the right direction at the right time.
Things Required:
- Vehicle
- Automatic reflex action
- Practice session in empty parking lot
- Driving experience and skill
- Driving school lessons
Steps:
- The main reason that causes the vehicle to skid is driving too fast for the current conditions. There are other reasons for a skid to occur, like the kind of tire, temperature and slop. If there is ice, water or sand on the road, then there is a higher risk of hydroplaning. In this situation, you will have no friction for braking, cornering or accelerating.
- There are three main techniques, which you can use to avoid skidding in bad situations. Firstly, try not using the brake, once the steering is reestablished and the tires have gained their rolling friction, then you can apply the brakes. If braking becomes a necessity, then you must use quick thrusts. Most of the cars these days come equipped with anti-lock brakes, which do not need you to brake at all while your vehicle is skidding.
- Secondly, never use accelerator. This will lead you to lose friction on the rear wheels, and will cause the rear side of your car to spin around badly. Thirdly, the most important thing is to counter steer for the right skid. This means that you will have to turn your steering wheel in the similar direction as the rear side of your vehicle during skidding.
- If you need to get some experience about skidding in the safe zone or under controlled environment, then you can keep practicing in empty parking lot. Drive in full speed and then push your brakes hard, you will get the sensation of the developing skid and then you must use the above-mentioned techniques. Always remember that you must never speed, just drive fast enough up to a level where you can apply brakes. You can take a driving course as well on skidding on wet surfaces with a professional driving school.
Tips and Warnings:
- Remember that you must never drive through running water.
- Always practice in a safe environment along with a professional driver in the car along with you.
- You must never jam on your brakes.
- If the weather dictates then you must drive slow.
- On an average 10,000 people die from skidding and 300,000 are injured every year due to skidding. Therefore, drive safe!
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