What action should you take to regain control during a power skid?

Regaining control during a power skid involves a specific set of actions to stabilize the vehicle. Letting off the gas allows the vehicle's wheels to regain traction, which is crucial because applying too much throttle can lead to a loss of control. Counter steering—turning the steering wheel in the opposite direction of the skid—helps realign the vehicle with the direction you want to go. By doing this, you are effectively using the vehicle's momentum to bring it back under control. This method is widely taught in defensive driving and emergency vehicle operations because it addresses the underlying cause of the skid and aids in recovery.

Options such as accelerating smoothly or braking quickly may exacerbate the loss of control. Accelerating can further increase the speed of the skid, while braking abruptly can lock up wheels, worsening traction loss. Turning off the ignition would eliminate control over steering and braking entirely and could lead to an even more dangerous situation. Thus, the recommended course of action in a power skid is to let off the gas and counter steer.