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What should you do if you are fishtailing?

  1. Accelerate to regain control

  2. Turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction

  3. Take foot off of gas and turn towards the direction you want to go

  4. Apply the brakes hard

The correct answer is: Take foot off of gas and turn towards the direction you want to go

When you are fishtailing, which typically occurs when the rear wheels lose traction and begin to slide, the safest and most effective response is to take your foot off the gas and turn towards the direction you want to go. This action helps to regain control of the vehicle. By removing your foot from the accelerator, you reduce the amount of power being sent to the rear wheels, which can help them regain traction. It’s also important to steer into the skid or slide; this means turning the steering wheel in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go. This technique helps in aligning the vehicle properly and allows for better control during a slide. The other options could lead to increased instability or further loss of control. For instance, accelerating while fishtailing could worsen the situation since it sends more power to the rear wheels, potentially causing them to slide even more. Turning the steering wheel in the opposite direction of the skid might also create additional problems and is generally counterproductive. Similarly, applying the brakes hard can cause the wheels to lock up and lead to a loss of control. Understanding the proper response in these situations is crucial for safe driving in adverse conditions.