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When your car begins to skid, your first reaction can make a huge difference in avoiding a crash. What is the first thing you should do when a motor vehicle starts to skid? Stay calm and take your foot off the accelerator immediately. At TK Injury Lawyers, we’ve helped countless clients after skid-related accidents in Austin, and we know how important it is to stay informed about safe driving techniques.
When the motor vehicle starts to skid, you must first take your foot off the accelerator. This simple action will reduce further loss of control and help you regain traction.
The most effective way to stabilize your vehicle is to let off the gas. Accelerating only makes matters worse in a skid by further spinning the wheels. Let off and let the tires begin to make contact with the road surface.
While it may feel counterintuitive, turning your steering wheel in the direction of the skid helps your tires align with the motion of the car. For instance, if the rear of your car skids to the left, gently steer left to regain balance.
Overreacting by jerking the wheel or slamming the brakes can worsen the skid. Instead, keep your movements smooth and controlled.
Skidding refers to the incident of your tires losing contact with the road, causing the vehicle to slide out of control. This mostly happens when a driver goes at a speed more than the road conditions allow, making it difficult to control.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, skidding most often results from driving too fast for weather or road conditions, specifically on wet or icy surfaces.
Austin drivers are exposed to special road conditions that heighten the possibility of skidding. Common causes include:
Understanding these risks helps you stay more aware while driving around Austin.
Skids can happen in various driving conditions. Here’s how to handle them based on the specific scenario.
Driving on wet roads reduces your tires’ grip on the pavement. Slow down and increase your following distance to avoid skidding in rainy conditions. The initial moments of rain are especially hazardous as oil and water combine, making the surface more slippery.
Snow and ice make it much easier for your car to lose traction. To avoid a skid:
Extra care is given to bridges, interchanges, and high-traffic areas, which are treated with snowplows, salt spreaders, and liquid de-icing equipment to manage freezing conditions.
Loose gravel reduces your tires’ ability to grip the road, making it easier to skid. Drive at lower speeds and be mindful of sudden changes in terrain.
The easiest way to handle a skid is to prevent it from happening. Here are some tips to lower your risk:
It is difficult to determine fault in a skid-related accident. In Texas, the driver who loses control will most likely be considered at fault for being too fast for the conditions. However, if a road hazard or another driver’s actions caused the skid, liability may shift.
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If a driver is found to be more than 50% at fault for the accident, they cannot recover damages. Consulting a legal professional can help you understand liability in skid-related crashes.
If you have been in a skid-related accident in Austin, it is advisable for you to see a lawyer. TK Injury Lawyers will help you understand your rights and options after a crash. Call us today at (512) 910-2000 or visit us at 1002 Rio Grande St., Austin, TX 78701, for a free consultation, and let us help you navigate your case with care and expertise.
Trent Kelly obtained his law degree from the University of Arkansas in 2007. He is licensed to practice law in Texas and regularly assists clients with their legal matters. Trent’s practice is primarily focused on personal injury matters – particularly those involving motor vehicles (such as cars, commercial trucks, 18-wheelers, and motorcycles) and wrongful death – but he also handles various business litigation matters as well. Click here to take a look at some complex cases Trent has resolved.
Years of experience: +15 years
Location: Austin, TX
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorney Trent Kelly, who has more than 15 years of legal experience as a practicing personal injury trial attorney.
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