Final answer:
When a car starts to skid, the driver should remain calm, steer gently in the direction of the skid, and avoid slamming the brakes. Applying the brakes firmly is only recommended if the vehicle has ABS.
Step-by-step explanation:
What Should Be Done When a Car Starts to Skid?
The first thing that should be done when a car starts to skid is to remain calm and avoid panicking. Panicking can lead to overcorrection, which may exacerbate the skid. Instead, a driver should:
- Gently steer in the direction they want the front of the car to go, which is usually in the direction of the skid.
- Avoid slamming on the brakes as this can make the skid worse. If the vehicle has anti-lock brakes (ABS), you may apply the brakes firmly; if it does not, pump the brakes gently.
- Continue to correct the steering until the car stabilizes and regains traction.
Understanding the concept of friction, such as the coefficient of friction between the tires and the road, is crucial in these situations. For example, the coefficient of friction will be different on dry concrete, wet concrete, and ice, which affects how the car will respond to control inputs during a skid.