What To Do If Your Car Starts To Skid

What Is Skidding?

Skidding is a condition that can occur when the wheels of a vehicle lose traction on the road. It is caused by applying too much brake or acceleration, resulting in the tires sliding instead of maintaining contact with the road surface. Skidding can cause a loss of control, sometimes at high speeds, leading to collisions.

Causes Of Skids

Skidding on the road may be caused by several factors. Driver error or failing to drive safely is usually a contributing factor, as well as:

• Weather conditions: Rain, snow, ice, and other weather conditions can increase the risk of skidding.
• Speed: Driving too fast can result in underestimating road conditions and losing control of the vehicle.
• Hard acceleration: Punching the gas pedal can cause the tires to spin and the car to skid out of control.
• Excessive braking: Pushing too hard or slamming on the brakes can cause the wheels to lock up, stopping them from spinning and causing a car to skid.
• Poor tire tread: Balding tires have insufficient traction and contact with the road, which makes them highly prone to skidding.

What Is Hydroplaning?

Hydroplaning is a dangerous condition that can occur when a vehicle’s tires are traveling on wet road surfaces at high speed. It happens when a thin film of water gets between the tire and the road surface. 

This causes the treads to be lifted off the road, causing a loss of traction and control. With the tires no longer on the road, it increases braking distances, reduces steering responsiveness, and causes the car to skid out of control or even crash into other vehicles or objects. 

Why Is Hydroplaning Dangerous?

Hydroplaning is dangerous because it inhibits driver control. It is more difficult to steer and stop a hydroplaning vehicle because it is not in direct contact with the road. You can avoid hydroplaning by slowing down, driving at slower speeds, and increasing the distance between you and other vehicles on the road.

What To Do If You Are Hydroplaning

If you are hydroplaning, it is vital to remain calm and take the following steps: 

1. Keep your foot off the brake and accelerator so the car can slow down.
2. Once speed reduces, gently tap the brakes — it’s important not to slam the brakes or suddenly turn the wheel.
3. Slowly steer the car in the direction you want to travel, but do so with very light pressure, allowing the vehicle to straighten out by following its current momentum and direction.

Once you recover, calm down before continuing your journey.

What To Do If Your Car Skids In The Rain

Don’t slam on the brakes if your car skids when the roads are wet. Take your foot off the gas. Turn your car in the direction you want to go. Once you regain control, return to the path of travel. Also, prevent hydroplaning by preparing your vehicle for wet road conditions, such as ensuring sufficient tire tread and driving carefully in the rain.

What Must You Do If Your Car Starts To Skid?

If you’re driving and your car starts to skid on the road, you should follow these steps to try to regain control of your vehicle and stay safe:

1. Take your feet off the pedals — don’t brake or accelerate.
2. Turn the steering wheel in the direction you want to go.
3. As the vehicle turns back, steer in the other direction to stop turning and return to your path of travel.
4. Don’t jerk the steering wheel; you don’t want to overcorrect and cause the car to fishtail.

However, depending on road conditions and why your car started to skid, you may also want to remember condition-specific tips.

What Is The First Thing You Should Do When A Motor Vehicle Starts To Skid?

If your car starts to skid, take your foot off the accelerator and do not step on the brakes. Slowing the vehicle down will make it easier to regain control and, hopefully, prevent causing an accident.  

How To Drive In Icy Weather

Icy roads bring unique challenges, and they’re one of the most hazardous conditions for drivers. You can reduce the risk and travel in icy weather more confidently when you know how to adapt your driving habits and prepare your vehicle.

Preparation Is Key

Before you head out, make sure your vehicle is winter-ready. Check that your tires have enough tread depth for solid traction, and consider buying winter tires if you drive a lot in the snowier months. 

Keep your windshield wipers in good working order, and top off your washer fluid with a solution specially made for cold weather. You’ll also want to have an emergency kit in your car with items like a flashlight, blanket, and ice scraper.

Adjust Your Driving Habits

When driving on slick roads, slow down and increase the distance between you and other vehicles. Tailgating and speeding make reacting to sudden changes and slick spots harder. Avoid sudden braking and sharp turns so your tires don’t lose traction, and lightly tap the pedals instead.

What Should You Do If Your Car Starts To Skid On Ice?

If your car starts to skid on icy roads, stay calm and try not to panic. Remember to:

• Take your foot off the pedal: Don’t brake or accelerate — let the car naturally slow down.
• Steer in the direction you want to go: If the back end of your car slides to one side, gently turn the steering wheel in the same direction.
• Don’t overcorrect: Jerking the wheel can worsen the skid, so use light steady pressure to regain control.
• Prepare to countersteer: As the car straightens out, you may need to turn the wheel in the opposite direction to stabilize it.

By being prepared ahead of time, you can remain in control of the situation as best as possible.

Be Aware Of Black Ice

Black ice is a thin and nearly invisible layer of ice, and it’s especially dangerous. It often forms on bridges, in shaded areas, and at intersections. Watch for changes in road texture or shine, and be extra careful if something looks suspicious.

If you need legal help after a skidding accident, reach out to our car accident lawyers.

What To Do If Your Front Wheels Skid

Since many vehicles are front-wheel drive, it is possible for the front wheels to skid and spin out of control. When this occurs: 

• Take your foot off the gas or brake pedal
• Slowly and gently turn the steering wheel in the direction you want to go
• As the car slows, gently tap the brakes to bring it under control

What To Do If Your Rear Wheels Skid

Use the same steps previously mentioned to try to bring your vehicle back under control:

• Take your foot off both pedals
• Slowly turn the steering wheel in the direction you want to go
• Tap the brakes as the car slows down

What To Do If You Get Stuck

Stay calm and assess the situation before moving the vehicle if you get stuck. First, check to ensure you are out of harm’s way. If not, leave the car and move to a safe location.

Next, determine if getting the vehicle unstuck is possible without calling for roadside assistance. The tires and wheels should have sufficient clearance and not be obstructed. You must also see if you have the tools to get the vehicle unstuck, like a shovel, cat litter, or sand.

Additionally, getting unstuck depends on what you are stuck in. For example, if it is snow, you can attempt to clear snow from around the tires and gently rock the vehicle back and forth, while others can push on the vehicle to help get it unstuck. 

You can also attempt to use cat litter or sand by placing it around the tires to help improve traction. Furthermore, taking the time to brush up on winter safety tips before driving can reduce the risks of getting stuck. 

On the other hand, if it is mud or sand, getting the vehicle out often requires calling a tow truck to pull the car out. 

What To Do If You Crash

If you crash, determine if you, any passengers, or the other driver, if you hit another car, need medical attention. Call 911 and request an ambulance. You should always seek medical care even if you feel fine, as some injuries do not immediately appear. Other things you should do include:

• Report the accident to the police
• Take pictures of the accident scene, including all damages
• Obtain contact details for all witnesses
• Exchange contact details and insurance information with the other driver
• Contact your insurance provider and report the accident
• If your injuries were due to another driver’s negligence, consult a car accident lawyer as soon as possible

What Traffic Tickets Apply For Skidding Accidents In Colorado?

Colorado traffic laws apply to several different tickets that the police may issue if you violate any of the following:

• Driving too fast for road conditions
• Exceeding the posted speed limit
• Careless driving
• Reckless driving
• Speed contests 
• Driving under the influence

Who Is At Fault If You Are In A Car Accident Because Of Skidding?

If you are in a skidding car accident, the driver of the skidding vehicle is usually primarily at fault. They had a duty of care to keep their vehicle under control and failed to do so. 

However, when a car starts to skid, suppose a vehicle behind the skidding car is following too closely and crashes. This vehicle’s driver could also be partially at fault for the accident. 

Where Are Skid Accidents More Common?

Skid accidents are more common on slippery roads caused by:

• Ice
• Water
• Loose gravel
• Sand
• Oil patches

Lawyers For Skidding Car Accidents In Colorado

If you have been involved in a skidding car accident and sustained injuries caused by another driver’s negligence, you may have a legal right to monetary compensation. At Bachus & Schanker, our experienced car accident lawyers in Colorado will answer your questions and help determine the compensation you could receive.

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