How can you regain control of a Rear Wheel Skid?

• A. Let Off Brake
• B. Counter Steer
• C. Let Off Brake, Counter Steer
• D. Steer Opposite Direction

Answer: (C)

The key idea is to quickly restore traction by reducing the force that caused the skid and by steering the vehicle back toward stability. When the rear wheels start to slide, braking hard is often what led to the loss of traction, so you want to ease off the brake to reduce the lock and weight transfer. At the same time, apply a steering input to bring the rear back in line with the front—this is the counter-steer action. By letting off the brake and counter steering, you realign the tires with the road and regain control more effectively than with either action alone. Steering opposite to the skid without easing braking can worsen the slide, and braking without steering won’t correct the yaw.