What should you do if the rear of your vehicle starts to skid to the left?

Study for the Pennsylvania DOT Driver’s License Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

In a situation where the rear of your vehicle begins to skid to the left, the appropriate action is to steer in the direction of the skid, which in this case means steering left. When the back of a vehicle skids, it indicates that the rear wheels are losing traction and sliding sideways. By steering into the skid, you help to realign the vehicle's direction and regain control.

This technique, often referred to as "countersteering," allows the front wheels to regain traction and helps to stabilize the vehicle. Steering in the direction of the skid helps balance the forces on the vehicle and can prevent a spin-out. By doing so, you enable the tires to grip the road surface more effectively, assisting in a smoother recovery from the skid.

The other options would not effectively correct the situation. Steering right would exacerbate the skid, as it would direct the wheels away from where the vehicle is sliding. Braking immediately can further destabilize the vehicle, as it may cause a loss of control during a skid. Accelerating would also be counterproductive, as it could lead to greater loss of traction and worsen the skid. Therefore, steering left is the best method to regain control.

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