Final answer:
When you start to skid, you should release the brakes and look and steer in the direction you want to go. This action helps realign the tires with the vehicle's direction of momentum, which aids in regaining control by utilizing static friction.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you start to skid, the correct action is to release the brakes and look and steer in the direction you want to go. This technique is part of recovering control of the vehicle during a skid. The physics behind why you should steer in the direction you want to go is related to the concepts of static and kinetic friction, which play a key role in vehicle dynamics and safety.
Static friction is the force that keeps an object stationary relative to another, while kinetic friction comes into play when there is relative motion between surfaces. When braking, if you slow down too abruptly, you switch from static to kinetic friction, causing a skid. To regain control, easing off the brakes can help transition back to the higher static friction, thereby stabilizing the vehicle.
During a skid, the vehicle's tires lose grip with the road surface, leading to a loss of control. Steering in the desired direction helps re-establish the tires' traction, as the wheels are aligned with the vehicle's momentum, enabling the driver to regain control.