Which action should you take if your brakes fail and you begin to skid?

When facing brake failure and starting to skid, it is crucial to maintain composure and control of the vehicle. Steering gently helps to regain traction and balance, allowing the driver to correct the skid. This action promotes safety by giving the driver an opportunity to maneuver the vehicle away from potential hazards. Staying calm also ensures that the driver can think clearly and make the best decisions in an emergency.

Yelling to alert other drivers, while it may seem helpful, does not actively contribute to regaining control of the vehicle. Engaging the handbrake suddenly can cause the rear wheels to lock up, leading to a loss of control and increasing the chances of an accident. Turning off the ignition may disable the steering control, further complicating the situation and should not be done while the vehicle is in motion. Thus, steering gently is the most effective and recommended approach in this scenario.