Handling a Skid

The most dangerous are those who incorrectly put themselves in the first group. These drivers often over-correct and then go sailing off perpendicular to the road. In some states, over-correcting is among the leading causes of fatal accidents. (Picture this: In a right-hand turn, the rear tires lose grip. The driver correctly turns the wheel left, but either turns too far or fails to turn back to the right when the rear tires begin to recover traction. Or both. When the tires regain grip the car shoots off into oncoming traffic with tragic results.)

Pro Tips
For those who fall into the second group—those who can't develop car control skills—here's my advice. Don't worry about "Turning in the direction of the skid." Instead, the instant you realize the rear tires have totally lost grip, pound the brake pedal, hold it down, and say a prayer. It's good if you also crank in some counter-steering, but get the brakes on-hard—and hold them down until you come to a stop.


This is not the ideal reaction. However, it's far better than over-correcting and crashing into oncoming traffic. It's also far better than doing nothing, which is how most react. At the least you'll scrub off some speed before you hit something.


With the latest anti-lock braking systems, if the driver hits the brake pedal the instant the skid begins, the computer sometimes brings the car to a stop on the pavement, though perpendicular to traffic. It's not elegant, but at least it doesn't involve trees or opposing traffic.


Don't get me wrong. I would prefer that every driver learn how to confidently deal with a rear-tire skid. I also wish for peace in the Middle East, a World Series title for the Red Sox, the ability to make a perfect fly-fishing cast, and the correct Powerball numbers, not necessarily in that order.