Final answer:
When a vehicle starts to skid on water, the driver should avoid applying the brakes suddenly and instead ease off the accelerator pedal and steer gently in the desired direction. This helps prevent a loss of control and worsening of the skid.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a vehicle starts to skid on water, also known as hydroplaning, the driver should avoid applying the brakes suddenly. Braking can cause the wheels to lock up and lead to a loss of control. Instead, the driver should ease off the accelerator pedal and steer gently in the direction they want to go.
Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water builds up between the tires and the road surface, causing a loss of traction. Applying the brakes abruptly can further reduce traction and make the skid worse.
To help prevent hydroplaning, drivers should make sure their tires have sufficient tread depth and maintain a safe speed for the road conditions, especially in wet or rainy weather.