Anyone who's driven on ice and snow has probably been faced with an unpredictable skid when their tires break free. As the rear end of your car fishtails back and forth, a thousand negative outcomes run through your mind. Skidding on ice and snow is often inevitable. But it needn't mean an impending accident if you follow these directions.
At the first sign that your rear tires have broken free and are providing no traction, take your foot off of the accelerator. This will automatically reduce your speed and often times will be all you need to do to regain control of your vehicle.
Without over-reacting, slowly turn the steering wheel in the direction that the rear end is moving. For instance, if the rear end of the car is fishtailing to the left, steer to the left.
Try not to overcompensate with steering. If the car's rear end begins to fishtail to the other side, slowly steer in that direction.
It is common for the rear end to fishtail to the left and right multiple times. Stay calm and continue to steer in the direction of the rear end until the car's path straightens out.
If necessary, stop the vehicle after it has righted itself and collect your thoughts. If you suspect that your vehicle has hit something, put the vehicle in Park, turn off the engine and inspect the vehicle for damage.
