When steering to avoid a crash, how much should you turn the wheel?

Turning the steering wheel no more than is needed to clear obstacles is the most effective and safe approach when steering to avoid a crash. This method minimizes the risk of losing control of the vehicle. Oversteering or making sharp turns can cause the vehicle to swerve too much, which may lead to a loss of traction, particularly in adverse weather conditions or if the vehicle is traveling at high speeds.

By only turning the wheel as much as necessary, the driver maintains better control and stability, allowing for a more accurate maneuver to avoid the obstacle while keeping the vehicle balanced. This technique helps to navigate around unforeseen dangers while ensuring that the vehicle remains manageable throughout the evasive action.

The choice to turn sharply might seem intuitive in a moment of panic but can lead to disastrous outcomes like rolling over or spin-outs. Similarly, turning the wheel as much as possible or gradually in both directions may also compromise control, especially in critical situations where split-second decisions are required. Hence, the best strategy is to turn just enough to clear the immediate threat effectively.