If your drive wheels begin to slip, what should your first reaction be?

The correct response to the situation where your drive wheels begin to slip is to ease up on the throttle. When the drive wheels lose traction, applying more power can exacerbate the slipping and cause a loss of control. By reducing the throttle, you decrease the engine's power output, allowing the wheels to regain traction more effectively. This gradual reduction helps stabilize the vehicle without further increasing the likelihood of skidding.

In contrast, rapidly accelerating can worsen the slip and lead to a complete loss of control. Steering sharply may seem like a quick fix, but it can lead to additional issues, such as oversteering or losing control in a different direction. Applying the brakes firmly might also lead to a loss of traction, especially in conditions where the road is slippery or the vehicle is already compromised. Thus, the best and safest initial reaction to slipping drive wheels is to gently ease up on the throttle.