If you start to skid, you should release the brakes and...?

When you start to skid, the most important action is to regain control of your vehicle. Releasing the brakes helps to alleviate any additional force that could worsen the skid. Looking and steering in the direction you want to go is crucial because it allows the vehicle to align with your intended path. This technique helps to guide the front wheels of the vehicle, which can assist in regaining traction and stabilizing the car.

It's vital to focus on where you want to go rather than where you are going, as this can help increase your chances of steering out of the skid successfully. Keeping a clear direction in mind allows your instincts to align with your actions, which is essential in regaining control during a loss of traction.

In contrast, steering opposite the direction you want to go can lead to a loss of control as it may shift the vehicle's weight and worsen the skid. Looking straight ahead does not provide the necessary guidance needed to navigate out of a skid. Steering from side to side can create unnecessary movement and further destabilize the vehicle. Therefore, looking and steering in the intended direction is the best approach to safely manage a skid.