What is the term used when the rear of a vehicle takes a wider path around a corner than intended?

The term used when the rear of a vehicle takes a wider path around a corner than intended is "oversteer." This phenomenon occurs when the rear wheels lose traction before the front wheels, causing the back of the vehicle to swing out. In this situation, the driver may have to counter-steer to regain control of the vehicle, as it can lead to a loss of control if not managed correctly.

Understanding oversteer is crucial in driving situations, particularly in performance driving or adverse weather conditions, as it can affect vehicle stability and control. It highlights the importance of vehicle dynamics and handling when navigating corners, making it an essential concept for those in law enforcement and emergency driving training. Other terms like "understeer," "cornering," and "drifting" relate to different vehicle dynamics and handling characteristics but do not specifically define the behavior described in the question.