Skids, emergency braking and car trouble

Key points

1. In a skid, do not hit the brake; take your foot off the gas and steer in the direction of the skid.

   Source: Handbook p. 116

   “When a skid starts, don't panic and don't hit the brake. Immediately take your foot off the gas pedal, then steer in the direction of the skid.”
   Idaho Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 116

2. If your rear wheels slide right, turn your front wheels to the right.

   Source: Handbook p. 116

   “if your rear wheels slide to the right, turn your front wheels toward the right.”
   Idaho Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 116

3. With ABS, apply continuous pressure and do not pump the pedal.

   Source: Handbook p. 116

   “apply continuous pressure on the brake pedal. Do Not Pump the Brake Pedal”
   Idaho Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 116

4. Without ABS, if the brakes lock and you feel a skid, quickly let up on the brake pedal.

   Source: Handbook p. 117

   “If the brakes lock, you will feel the vehicle begin to skid. Quickly let up on the brake pedal.”
   Idaho Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 117

5. If your car stalls, pull off if possible, turn on flashers, and lift the hood.

   Source: Handbook p. 117

   “If possible, pull all the way off the road. Turn on emergency flashers. Lift the hood to let others know you have a problem.”
   Idaho Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 117

6. Place flares 200 to 300 feet behind your car.

   Source: Handbook p. 117

   “If you have emergency flares, place them 200 to 300 feet behind your car to give others warning.”
   Idaho Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 117

7. If a car comes at you in your lane, pull to the right as far as possible, not left.

   Source: Handbook p. 119

   “Pull to the right as far as possible. Don't go left.”
   Idaho Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 119

8. In a blowout, hold the wheel tightly, keep straight, and ease off the gas without braking until you have control.

   Source: Handbook p. 120

   “Hold the steering wheel tightly and keep the car headed straight down the road. Ease your foot off the gas pedal, but do not apply the brakes until you have complete control.”
   Idaho Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 120

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Idaho practice test

1. 1. What should you do if your vehicle begins to skid?

   1. Take your foot off the gas and steer in the direction of the skid
   2. Pump the brakes repeatedly while looking away from the roadway
   3. Accelerate sharply to force the rear wheels straight
   4. Turn opposite the skid and hold the brake down
   Show answer

   Take your foot off the gas and steer in the direction of the skid. During most skids, Idaho advises removing your foot from the accelerator and steering toward the direction the vehicle is sliding. That response helps the tires regain a usable path without adding sudden braking or acceleration. The other choices introduce abrupt control inputs that can deepen the slide or reduce the driver's ability to recover. Stay calm, look where you want the vehicle to go, and make the steering correction in the same direction as the skid.

2. 2. When stopping quickly in a vehicle equipped with ABS, how should you use the brake pedal?

   1. Apply continuous pressure and let the system work
   2. Pump the pedal rapidly to keep the wheels turning
   3. Release the pedal whenever the system pulses
   4. Apply firm pressure, then pump the pedal after the first pulse
   Show answer

   Apply continuous pressure and let the system work. With ABS, an emergency stop requires continuous pressure on the brake pedal. The system pumps the brakes for you and preserves steering control during hard braking, although it does not shorten the stopping distance. Pumping the pedal can defeat the system and increase the distance needed to stop. A pulse or pump noise is normal, so do not lift your foot when you feel it. Keep pressing, steer where you need to go, and follow the vehicle manual for ABS operation.

3. 3. How far behind a disabled car does the Idaho handbook say to place flares?

   1. 1,000 feet
   2. 20 feet
   3. 200 to 300 feet, in a spot where drivers have a clear view
   4. Directly behind the bumper
   Show answer

   200 to 300 feet, in a spot where drivers have a clear view. If you have emergency flares, place them 200 to 300 feet behind your car to give others warning, and stop where people have a clear view of you, never just over a hill or around a curve. Without flares, stand beside the road and wave traffic around, using a white cloth or flag. Get everyone away from traffic while waiting for help.

Source: the Idaho Driver's Handbook, Be Prepared. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.