Part three of a series about driving in winter weather.

Snow, standing water or ice on the roads can cause your car to skid out of control. The difference between having an acccident and avoiding one is largely up to how you respond when this happens. Knowing what experts suggest that you do is key.

Here is the process, according to the National Safety Council.

If your rear wheels skid, you can simply ease off the accelerator completely and shift your car into neutral. Don’t attempt to steer immediately.

Wait until the traction returns in your wheels, and steer in the direction you want the car to move in. Then you can return your car to drive, and slowly begin to accelerate again.

It’s a bit more complex if you feel your front wheels begin to skid.

You still will want to take your foot off the gas, but you can immediately steer to where you want the front wheels to go. With standard brakes, you can slowly pump the brakes. However, if you have anti-lock brakes, they will do the work for you, and all you’ll need to do is apply slow, even pressure to the brakes.

See Also

• Winter Roadside Assistance from Auto Advantage
  Stay safe this winter, and always have a backup plan.