Final answer:
To correct a skid, one should turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid, which allows the tires to regain traction and helps stabilize the vehicle. This action is based on Newton's first law of motion.
Step-by-step explanation:
When your car begins to skid, the correct action to take is to turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid. This counterintuitive maneuver is necessary because it helps realign the tires with the direction of the car's motion, allowing the tires to regain traction and thereby helping to stabilize the vehicle.
The skid is due to a loss of friction or grip between the tires and the road surface, often occurring when a car encounters slippery conditions, such as ice, or during sudden turns or abrupt changes in speed. To correct a skid, it's also important to keep calm, avoid oversteering, and gently apply the brakes if necessary.
This advice is rooted in the principles of Newton's first law of motion, which states that an object in motion will stay in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an unbalanced force.
When a vehicle starts to skid, it continues in a straight line (the direction of the tangential velocity) due to inertia; thus, steering in the direction of the skid helps to restore control.
Remember:
- Avoid slamming on the brakes as it can worsen the skid.
- Do not steer against the direction of the skid as this can lead to overcorrection.
- Steer gently in the direction of the skid until you feel the car regain traction.