Sideways slide or spin

Even electronic stability control, which is designed to prevent vehicles from sliding sideways, can't always help get you back in control. So knowing how to maneuver out of a slide remains a vital driving skill.

• Lift your foot off the throttle slowly, and don't slam on the brakes. Applying the brakes or adding more gas can exacerbate a car's slide or sideways rotation.
• To correct the car's path, steer in the direction of the skid. For example, if your rear wheels slide to the left, turn your front wheels to the left. Allow your hands to move along the steering wheel instead of gripping it like a vise. You want to restrain the slide but not to stop the front wheels' natural tendency to straighten themselves out. That will also save your wrists and fingers from injury if the wheel whips back.