Final answer:
To recover from a skid on an icy road, ease off the accelerator, avoid harsh braking, and steer in the direction of the skid with smooth, controlled movements.
Step-by-step explanation:
If the rear of your vehicle starts to skid on an icy road, you should immediately take action to regain control while avoiding overcorrection, which could lead to a spin.
The first step is to gently ease off the accelerator and carefully steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go, which is often referred to as 'steering into the skid'. It is important to avoid slamming on the brakes, as this can make the skid worse, especially if your vehicle does not have anti-lock brakes (ABS).
For vehicles with ABS, a steady pressure on the brake pedal should help you to slow down without locking the wheels and contributing to the skid.
If the vehicle starts to straighten out, continue to adjust your steering to stabilize the vehicle. Remember, smooth and controlled movements are key to recovering from a skid on icy roads.