Asger Risom
Knowing how to react in the split second your car loses grip can be the difference between a close call and a serious crash. With icy conditions lingering across the UK this winter, experts are reminding drivers of one counter-intuitive move that could help keep them safe.
Icy roads remain one of the most dangerous winter hazards for motorists, and even experienced drivers can panic when a car suddenly starts to slide. With cold weather expected to continue through January, motoring experts have shared clear guidance on what drivers should do if their vehicle skids on ice.
Steer into the skid, not against it
Insurance specialists at Adrian Flux shared a video on TikTok, saying the most important rule when skidding is to steer gently in the direction the car is sliding, rather than fighting against it.
If the rear of the vehicle begins to slide to the right, drivers should steer to the right. If it slides left, steer left. This helps align the wheels with the direction the car is actually travelling, giving the tyres the best chance to regain grip.
Experts warn drivers not to take their hands off the steering wheel and not to brake harshly, as sudden braking can make the skid worse and cause the vehicle to spin.
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Why the advice feels wrong but works
Steering into a skid often feels counter-intuitive, but experts say turning the wheel the opposite way can easily lead to overcorrection. This can cause the car to fishtail or spin completely out of control.
By steering into the skid, the vehicle can settle more smoothly, allowing traction to return gradually instead of violently snapping back.
Additional winter driving advice from the AA
The AA advises drivers to be gentle with all controls in icy conditions. This includes accelerating slowly, changing into a higher gear earlier than usual, and reducing speed well below normal limits.
Drivers are also encouraged to watch vehicles ahead closely, as even slight movements can indicate patches of black ice.
Visibility is another key risk. Heavy snow or ice can dramatically reduce how far drivers can see, meaning reaction times need to be longer and braking distances far greater.
The AA warns that braking distances can double in wet conditions and increase by up to ten times on snow or ice. At 30mph, a car that normally stops in around 23 metres could take as much as 230 metres to stop on icy roads.
Drivers share real-world experiences
Some motorists who saw the advice online admitted they had misunderstood the phrase “steer into the skid” before seeing it explained properly. Others shared firsthand accounts of skidding incidents where following this technique helped them regain control and avoid serious harm.
With icy conditions still affecting many parts of the country, experts stress that understanding how to react before a skid happens is crucial, as there is often no time to think once a car starts sliding.
Sources: Adrian Flux Insurance, AA
