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What should you do if a trailer you are towing starts to snake?

  1. Accelerate to regain control

  2. Ease off the gas and slow down gently

  3. Steer sharply in the opposite direction

  4. Brake hard to stop immediately

The correct answer is: Ease off the gas and slow down gently

When you are towing a trailer and it begins to snake, the recommended action is to ease off the gas and slow down gently. This approach is correct because it allows for a gradual reduction in speed, which helps to regain control over the vehicle and trailer combination. When a trailer snakes, it indicates that it is swaying or moving sideways, which can lead to a loss of stability. By gently easing off on the accelerator, you reduce the forces acting on the trailer without making any abrupt movements that could exacerbate the swaying. It is crucial to allow the trailer to stabilize as the speed decreases, which will help straighten it out and regain control. In contrast, actions like accelerating, steering sharply, or braking hard can worsen the situation. Accelerating could further destabilize the trailer, while steering sharply might lead to a loss of control and possibly a rollover. Braking hard can cause the trailer to push against the vehicle, leading to more intense swaying and making it harder to manage. Therefore, slowing down gently is the safest and most effective method to regain control over a snaking trailer.