What is the first action you should take if your vehicle skids?

When your vehicle skids, the most important action to take is to steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go. This technique helps regain control of the vehicle by aligning the front wheels with the direction of travel. When you steer in that direction, it can assist in stabilizing the vehicle and counteracting the skid.

Applying the brakes immediately is not advisable because it can worsen the skid. Braking can lock the wheels and lead to further loss of control. Shifting into neutral may briefly stop the vehicle from accelerating if it's a rear-wheel skid, but it does not address the underlying control issue. Turning off the engine might seem like it would help, but it can impede your ability to steer effectively and respond to road conditions.

Understanding this procedure is crucial for safe driving, especially during adverse weather conditions where skidding is more likely to occur.