On icy roads, which technique reduces the chance of a skid?

• A. Turn the steering wheel hard to correct the slip.
• B. Gentle, steady inputs; avoid abrupt steering, throttle, or braking; use lower gears and progressively increase grip.
• C. Accelerate to regain traction.
• D. Apply hard braking to stop quickly.

Answer: (B)

On icy roads, the tires have very little grip, so sudden actions can push you into a skid. The safest approach is to keep inputs smooth and gradual. Gentle steering prevents abrupt changes in direction that can break traction. Gentle throttle avoids spinning the wheels, which is easy to do on ice. Hard braking is risky because it can cause the wheels to lock and slide sideways. Using a lower gear provides engine braking, giving you more control over speed without locking up the wheels, and you can progressively increase grip as the tires start to bite into the surface. This combination minimizes abrupt loads on the tires and helps you maintain control, reducing the chance of a skid.