What should you do if your commercial vehicle begins to skid?

When your commercial vehicle begins to skid, the appropriate response is to steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go. This technique, known as "steering into the skid," helps to regain control of the vehicle. By aligning the wheels with the direction you want to travel, you can effectively counteract the forces causing the skid and stabilize the vehicle. This action allows the driver to redirect the vehicle rather than exacerbating the situation by losing control.

Other responses, such as steering sharply to the left or braking hard immediately, could lead to further loss of control. Steering sharply can create a dangerous overcorrection, while hard braking can cause the vehicle to skid more by shifting weight improperly. Turning off the engine is not advisable as it does not address the immediate need for control during a skid. Understanding these principles is vital for maintaining safety while driving a commercial vehicle, particularly in slippery or unstable conditions.