In the event of losing control of the vehicle, what should be avoided?

In the scenario of losing control of a vehicle, it is critical to manage the situation properly to prevent further loss of control and to regain stability. Abrupt braking is particularly dangerous because it can cause the vehicle to skid, especially if it's on a slippery surface or if the tires have lost traction. When a driver brakes suddenly, the weight of the vehicle shifts forward, which can lead to a loss of steering control or even cause the vehicle to spin out.

When a vehicle loses traction, a smoother approach to braking is recommended, where gradual deceleration allows for better control of the vehicle. Additionally, maintaining a stable steering position while gradually applying brakes can help in regaining control.

In contrast, taking the foot off the gas allows the vehicle to slow naturally, steering towards an obstacle could help avoid a more significant collision, and accelerating may help in some cases to regain traction, particularly if the vehicle is experiencing a loss of control due to oversteering or understeering. Therefore, the best practice in a situation of losing control is to avoid abrupt braking to help maintain stability and steering control.