What to Do If Your Vehicle Starts to Skid
TL;DR: If your car starts to skid, stay calm, ease off the accelerator, and gently steer in the direction you need to go. Avoid slamming the brakes, as sudden braking can worsen the skid. These quick actions help you regain control and prevent a crash.
If you’ve experienced a skid-related accident or need immediate assistance, call Insure On The Spot at 773-202-5060 for guidance. Illinois drivers face slick conditions frequently, so knowing how to handle a skidding vehicle is crucial for safety.
Why Do Cars Skid in Bad Weather?
Skidding occurs when your tires lose traction on the road, often due to ice, snow, rain, or slush. Driving too fast for conditions or making sudden movements can cause your vehicle to lose control. In Illinois, weather-related accidents are common, with freezing rain and unexpected snowstorms making roads slippery. Factors like reduced traction, unsafe speed, and sudden braking or steering contribute to skids. Poor tire condition or driving a rear-wheel-drive vehicle also increases the risk.
What Types of Skids Can Happen?
When skidding, it usually falls into one of three categories: understeer, oversteer, or hydroplaning.
- Understeer (Front-Wheel Skid): The front tires lose traction, causing the car to plow straight instead of turning. This often occurs in front-wheel-drive vehicles when turning too fast.
- Oversteer (Rear-Wheel Skid): The rear tires lose traction, causing the back of the car to swing out. This is common in rear-wheel-drive cars when turning too fast or braking hard on slick roads.
- Hydroplaning: This happens when water builds up under the tires, lifting them off the road surface and causing the vehicle to lose control. Hydroplaning can occur at speeds as low as 35 mph on wet roads.
How Can You Regain Control When Your Car Is Skidding?
The key to regaining control is staying calm and avoiding sudden movements. For all skids, follow these steps:
- Ease off the gas pedal and avoid slamming on the brakes.
- Steer into the direction of the skid (if the rear of the car slides right, steer right).
- If hydroplaning, gently lift off the gas and keep the steering wheel straight until you feel the tires reconnect with the road.
How Can Illinois Drivers Prevent Skidding Accidents?
Preventing a skid is always better than recovering from one. Illinois drivers should:
- Slow down in bad weather: Adjust speed for conditions, even if it’s below the speed limit.
- Increase following distance: Leave extra space between you and other vehicles.
- Avoid sudden movements: Brake and turn smoothly to avoid skidding.
- Maintain tires: Ensure tires have proper tread and inflation, and consider winter tires for icy conditions.
- Stay alert and eliminate distractions: Focus on the road, especially in winter weather.
Are You Legally at Fault If Bad Weather Causes You to Skid?
In Illinois, you can be ticketed for driving too fast for conditions even if you’re under the speed limit. If a skid leads to an accident, you could be found at fault for not adjusting your speed to the road conditions. Skidding accidents are typically seen as driver error under traffic laws.
Will a Skidding Accident Affect Your Insurance (and What About SR-22)?
A skidding accident can affect your insurance rates. It may be considered an at-fault accident, which could lead to higher premiums. In severe cases, multiple accidents may label you a high-risk driver, potentially requiring an SR-22 filing. Insure On The Spot can help you navigate this and provide advice on coverage options.
What Should You Do After a Skidding Accident in Illinois?
- Check for injuries and move to safety.
- Call the police if there’s significant damage or injury.
- Exchange information if another driver is involved.
- Document the scene by taking photos.
- Notify your insurance company to report the accident.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What should I do immediately when my car starts to skid?
A: Stay calm, ease off the gas pedal, and gently steer in the direction of the skid. Do not slam on the brakes, as that can make the skid worse. Regaining traction often depends on smooth, controlled movements.
Q: What causes cars to skid in Illinois weather?
A: Slippery road conditions caused by ice, snow, slush, or rain are the main culprits. Driving too fast, making sudden turns or stops, and worn tires also contribute to skids—especially during Illinois winters.
Q: What’s the difference between understeer and oversteer?
A: Understeer happens when the front tires lose grip and the car continues straight instead of turning. Oversteer is when the rear tires lose traction and the back of the car swings out, potentially causing a spin.
Get a quote today!
Get a quote today from Insure On The Spot at 773-202-5060 to learn about your car insurance options and ensure you’re fully covered for any future damage.