What is the first thing you should do when a motor vehicle starts to skid?

When a motor vehicle starts to skid, the most effective response is to take your foot off the accelerator and turn your steering wheel in the direction of the skid. This technique helps to regain control of the vehicle. By releasing the accelerator, you allow the vehicle to slow down, which can help to reduce the severity of the skid. Simultaneously, steering into the skid aligns the wheels with the direction the rear of the vehicle is sliding, thereby enabling you to regain traction and control.

In contrast, applying the brakes immediately can exacerbate the situation and potentially cause the vehicle to lose control further. Steering towards the shoulder of the road without addressing the skid may not effectively correct the vehicle's trajectory, as it does not directly counteract the skid. Each of these approaches misses the core action needed to effectively manage a skid, which is focusing on regaining control through the correct steering technique and managing speed.