What should a driver do if their vehicle gets into a rear-wheel sideways skid?

When a vehicle experiences a rear-wheel skid, the driver should turn the steering wheel in the same direction as the rear wheels are heading. This action helps to regain control of the vehicle and align it with the direction of travel. Turning the steering wheel towards the skid, also known as "steering into the skid," allows the driver to counteract the sliding motion of the rear wheels and helps to stabilize the vehicle.

In this scenario, applying the brakes immediately can worsen the skid and may lead to a loss of control. Steering straight ahead would not address the skid and could result in further loss of control. Turning the steering wheel in the opposite direction could exacerbate the situation by overcorrecting and leading to a spin or additional skidding. Therefore, turning the steering wheel in the same direction as the rear wheels are heading is the most effective way to regain control and safely navigate out of a skid.