If you suddenly have no control of the steering wheel, what should you do?

When you find yourself in a situation where you have suddenly lost control of the steering wheel, the appropriate action is to ease your foot off the gas pedal. This response helps to slow down the vehicle gradually, which is crucial for regaining control without further destabilizing the car. Reducing speed allows the driver to create more time to react and assess the best course of action.

Taking your foot off the gas prevents the vehicle from moving too quickly, which can lead to a loss of control or an accident. By decelerating, you can also gather your thoughts and prepare to navigate any immediate obstacles or find a safe place to stop.

Trying to pull over immediately without slowing down could lead to increased risk, as a sudden maneuver at high speed might lead to a loss of control. Turning the steering wheel sharply in this situation might exacerbate the problem rather than help, potentially causing the vehicle to skid. Accelerating quickly in an attempt to regain control can lead to dangerous outcomes, such as flipping the vehicle or colliding with another object, as speed increases instability especially with compromised steering. Thus, gently easing off the gas pedal is the safest and most effective first step in regaining control of the vehicle.