What should you do if the trailer begins to sway while driving?

When a trailer begins to sway, the best course of action is to reduce speed gradually and avoid sudden steering. Swaying often indicates that the trailer is not tracking properly behind the vehicle, and increasing speed can exacerbate the issue, leading to a loss of control. Gradually easing off the accelerator allows for a safer decrease in speed, which helps to stabilize the trailer.

By avoiding sudden steering maneuvers, you prevent making sharp turns that could worsen the sway or cause the trailer to jackknife. Smooth, gradual inputs are crucial to regain stability without introducing additional forces that could destabilize the combination vehicle further.

Other choices may seem intuitive, but they can lead to more severe loss of control. For instance, accelerating quickly can make the situation worse, while applying the trailer brakes may throw the combination vehicle into a skid if done abruptly. Changing lanes to create space might not address the underlying issue and could present hazards with nearby traffic. Hence, the strategy of reducing speed gradually is the most effective and safe approach to manage trailer sway.