Final answer:
In a driving skid, a motorist should steer in the direction of the skid or tangential velocity to regain traction and control of the vehicle.
Step-by-step explanation:
When reacting to a driving skid, a motorist should steer in the direction of the skid or the tangential velocity of the vehicle. This action helps to realign the wheels with the direction of the vehicle and regain traction. During a skid, if the car's rear is sliding to the left, the driver should steer to the left to correct the skid. Conversely, if the rear is sliding to the right, the driver should steer to the right. The aim is to restore traction and control of the vehicle by pointing the front wheels in the direction the car is moving.
It is important to note that this advice applies to a situation where a vehicle is in a skid due to low traction surfaces like ice. In such conditions, the friction between tires and the surface is reduced, causing the vehicle to continue moving in a straight line (in the direction of the tangential velocity), according to Newton's first law. Steering into the direction of the skid allows the driver to realign the vehicle with its direction of motion and thereby regain control by restoring traction.