There's nothing scarier in an impending accident than feeling a loss of control of steering and maneuverability due to a loss of traction or skidding of tires and wheels. Skilled brake application is a learnable skill that should be practiced, and this skill's importance should never be underestimated for accident avoidance is paramount. Excellent braking allows for more precise swerving and (hopefully) missing that other driver that has spontaneously made his or her way into your intended path.
A skid occurs when an automobile or truck's tires lose traction on a road's surface, causing the driver to experience a loss of control, often leading to an accident. A skidding situation can be created when a driver applies excessive pressure to the brake pedal, causing the wheels to lock up and slide. Over-steering into a turn, followed by over-compensation in the opposite direction can often result in a skid, and significant acceleration while inside the arc of a turn often results in a skid as well. Anytime a motorist is driving outside their skill level or too aggressively for current weather situations, they are putting themselves at risk for a skid as well as an accident. Avoiding a skid is often as easy as simply slowing down and taking greater care when environmental conditions dictate slower progress. Be aware of your particular skill set when it comes to adverse weather situations. If your experience in snow is minimal, increase your following distance accordingly. If a deluge of rain has decreased your vision of what's happening ahead of you, slow your progress, or by all means, don't hesitate to pull over until your comfort level increases. There is nothing worse than proceeding hesitantly when adverse conditions demand precise control and split-second decision-making.
A skidding situation will inevitably occur for all drivers, good and bad, and knowing what to do when this occurs is of extreme importance. If your brakes lock up, make sure not to accelerate, but concentrate on carefully steering until braking returns to normal, making sure to slowly apply pressure to the brake pedal, never stomping. When approaching a corner in adverse conditions, attempt all braking before entering the curve as traction lessens as weight is distributed differently in a turn. If a skid happens in a turn, make sure to turn your wheel with the skid, not in the opposite direction, allowing your tires a chance to regain their grip; turning the opposite way would only increase skidding and loss of control.
Practicing in an empty parking lot is an excellent way to hone fine driving skills, no matter the age of the driver. Continuous learning allows for continuous enhancement of skills and years of safer driving. In an accident situation, a driver must be prepared to react quickly and precisely to avoid a collision. When avoidance is impossible, safety belts and airbags will do their best to protect the inhabitants of the automobile. After an accident, it is sometimes necessary to employ legal representation, especially when an injury occurs. A personal injury attorney can be as invaluable after an accident as excellent driving skills are prior to one.
