Mastering Counter Steer: Safeguarding Against Skids

When recovering from a skid, the technique called counter steer is one of the most critical skills to master. However, it’s not something that can be explained easily in words; it’s something you need to experience and practice. To truly understand and perfect this essential skill, you need an extensive amount of experience. One of the best ways to get this experience is by practicing in an EMPTY parking lot after ice covers the ground, especially when teaching your children to drive.

Why Practice is Crucial

Practice is integral to mastering counter steer. It’s a skill that must be honed through repeated exercises and real-life scenarios to ensure you can handle unexpected situations confidently on the road. As a rule, the first encounter with a skid should never be on a public road. It’s here you need to start your practice. If your first skid comes while driving on a public road, you may find yourself in a dangerous situation such as hitting a tree or causing a significant crash.

Advanced Drivers Courses

To gain access to structured and comprehensive training, I highly recommend taking an advanced or hazard reduction drivers course. These courses are designed to enhance your driving skills, making you a more competent and confident driver. They often use a skid pan facility where you can practice various driving techniques, including how to recover from skids. These courses are not too difficult to find, and they provide a controlled environment to practice under the guidance of experienced instructors.

Understanding Counter Steer in Skid Recovery

Counter steer involves a specific sequence of movements to regain control of the vehicle when a skid occurs. The technique is designed to correct the vehicle’s direction before the tires regain their grip on the icy or slippery surface. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply counter steer:

Identify the Skid: Once you feel the skid start, quickly identify the direction of the skid. Skids can occur in any direction, but it usually happens when you take a turn too fast or when the vehicle encounters an unexpected change in surface conditions. Apply Counter Steer: As soon as you recognize the skid, gently steer in the opposite direction to the skid for a brief moment. For example, if the skid is to the left, steer right for a second. The quick movement of the steering wheel should be done swiftly, but cautiously, without overcorrecting. This maneuver helps the vehicle reorient itself and regain control. Gradual Return to Original Course: After the brief counter steer, gradually return your steering wheel to its original position. Continue to steer in the direction you wish to go, applying gentle pressure to maintain control and get the tires back on track. Vision and Patience: Keep a clear and focused vision on your destination. It's crucial to maintain patience and steering control while allowing the vehicle to regain traction. Once the tires grip the surface again, the skid will generally stop.

Avoiding Skids on the Road

While mastering counter steer is critical, it’s even better to avoid skids altogether. To do this, you should always drive defensively and be prepared for unexpected road conditions. Slow down when necessary, particularly in icy, wet, or snowy conditions. Applying gentle and steady pressure to the brakes and steering wheel can also help prevent skids from occurring. If conditions are particularly bad, consider seeking an alternative route or driving on a public road with fewer people and less traffic.

Conclusion

Mastering the counter steer is a vital skill for every driver, especially when facing slippery road conditions. Start your practice in an empty parking lot with ice or snow covering the ground, and continue to refine your skills through advanced drivers courses. By understanding and applying counter steer correctly, you can ensure that your first encounter with a skid does not lead to a dangerous or potentially fatal situation. Remember, practice makes perfect, and with the right guidance and experience, you can improve your driving skills and become a safer, more confident driver.