What should you do if you feel your rear wheel starting to skid on slick pavement?

• A. Brake harder to regain control.
• B. Ease off the brake or throttle, steer into the skid, and then gradually reapply input.
• C. Steer sharply away from the skid without easing throttle.
• D. Jump off the bike.

Answer: (B)

When a rear-wheel skid starts on slick pavement, the aim is to reduce the forces causing the slide and regain traction. Ease off the brake or throttle immediately to stop pushing the tire into a loss of grip. Avoid hard braking or aggressive acceleration, which can deepen the skid. Then steer into the skid—turn the handlebars toward the direction the rear is sliding to help realign the bike with the road. As the tire regains traction, gently and smoothly reapply input to continue riding straight and controlled. Jumping off the bike or making abrupt, counterproductive maneuvers would increase the risk of a fall.