What to Do If Your Car Skids on Ice (and How to Avoid It)

Your car starts sliding on ice. Your instinct is to slam the brakes and yank the wheel. That's usually the wrong move. Here's what AAA says to do instead.

1. Step 1: Ease Off The Gas

First, slowly take your foot off the gas. Don't jerk it off. Just ease up.

2. Step 2: Look And Steer Where You Want To Go

Look where you want the car to go, not at what you're afraid of hitting. Then gently steer that way. Your hands tend to follow your eyes.

3. Step 3: Don'T Slam The Brakes

Slamming the brakes can lock the wheels and make the skid worse. If your car has anti-lock brakes and you need to stop, press the pedal down firmly, and keep steering. The pedal may buzz or pulse. That's normal.