How should you handle wet or slippery roads to avoid a skid?

• A. Slow down, increase following distance, avoid abrupt steering/braking, and if skidding, steer in the direction of the skid.
• B. Speed up to regain traction.
• C. Brake hard immediately.
• D. Keep speed and hope for the best.

Answer: (A)

On wet or slippery roads, the aim is to keep control by smoothing your actions and giving yourself more room to react. Slow down to a safer speed and increase the distance to the vehicle in front so you have time to stop gradually. Abrupt steering or hard braking can break traction and lead to a skid, so use gentle, gradual inputs with the steering and pedals. If a skid does occur, steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go to realign the tires with the intended path and regain control. The other approaches fail because they push you toward higher speed, abrupt braking, or no plan at all, all of which increase the risk of losing traction and crashing.