When experiencing a rear tire skid, what is the best way to slow down the vehicle?

When experiencing a rear tire skid, the best approach to slow down the vehicle is to remove your foot from the gas pedal. This action helps to reduce the power being delivered to the wheels, allowing them to regain traction. When the wheels are spinning too fast, it can lead to a loss of control; by easing off the accelerator, you allow the tires to settle and recover grip on the road surface.

This method is effective because it minimizes the risk of exacerbating the skid. Sudden movements, such as hitting the brakes suddenly, can cause further loss of control, while accelerating gently can lead to losing traction. Steering towards the opposite lane can also be dangerous and misleading, as it does not address the underlying issue of loss of rear traction and may lead you into oncoming traffic rather than helping you regain control of the vehicle.