SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/drive-skid-recovery

If the back of your car skids on a slippery road, which way should you steer?

The way you want the car to go, while easing off the gas.

  1. Opposite the way the car is sliding
  2. Hard to one side, then brake
  3. The way you want the car to go ✔

Why: Ease off the gas, do not slam the brakes, and turn the wheel the way you want the car to go. You may need to steer left and right a few times.

Huh, didn't know that: With anti-lock brakes, keep steady pressure on the pedal. Without them, pump the pedal carefully.

The dad joke
Why did the car go to dance class? To learn some smooth moves on slippery floors!
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References

Answer: The way you want the car to go. Ease off the gas, do not slam the brakes, and turn the wheel the way you want the car to go. You may need to steer left and right a few times.

  1. New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 10: Special Driving Conditions dmv.ny.gov/new-york-state-drivers-manual-and-practice-tests/chapter-10-special-driving-conditions
    Turn the steering wheel in the direction the vehicle is trying to go. If your rear wheels slide left, steer left.
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  2. California Driver's Handbook, Section 8: Safe Driving www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/safe-driving
    Slowly remove your foot from the accelerator Do not use the brakes.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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That's stuff everyone should know.