In rear-wheel drive (RWD) skid recovery, what should the driver do?

• A. Brake hard
• B. Counter-steer
• C. Accelerate quickly
• D. Look at the rearview mirror

Answer: (B)

In a rear-wheel drive (RWD) skid recovery situation, counter-steering is the appropriate response. When the rear wheels lose traction and the vehicle begins to skid, the driver should steer in the direction they want the front of the car to go. This corrective action helps realign the vehicle with the path of travel.

Counter-steering effectively transfers weight to the front wheels, which can regain traction and stabilize the vehicle. It is a critical skill for managing oversteer, where the rear of the car swings out due to loss of grip. By counter-steering, the driver can guide the vehicle back onto the intended course.

In contrast, braking hard can exacerbate the skid by shifting weight forward, leading to further loss of control, while accelerating quickly can make the situation worse if done prematurely. Looking in the rearview mirror may aid in awareness of surrounding traffic, but it does not address the immediate need to regain control of the vehicle. Thus, counter-steering is the most effective method for recovery in this scenario.