Handling Hydroplaning When Behind The Wheel

Education & Development Blog

Some of the scariest moments of many drivers' experiences behind the wheel have taken place when the roads are wet and the car begins to hydroplane. The feel of complete helplessness flashes over you as you realize your car is no longer under your control. You turn the wheel, but your car continues to travel in the direction in which the water is carrying it. What do you do now? How do you prevent the hydroplaning from causing you to crash? Here, you'll find a few tips to help you get through the next downpour safely.

Slow Down!

Just because the speed limit posted is 70 miles per hour doesn't mean that you can go that speed safely in all weather conditions. Slow down! The faster you drive when the roads are wet, the more likely you are to hydroplane. Maintain a safe speed – roughly 5 – 10 miles below the posted limit.

Keep up with Tire Care

The tires on your car are so important to your safety. Make sure that the tires have good tread, are inflated entirely and are rotated on a regular basis. If you live in an area prone to heavy rainfall throughout the year, it would be best to invest in a good set of tires designed for use on wet roads. These tires will push the water from underneath them and maintain more traction during those heavy rains.

Pay Attention for Puddles

When you see standing water on the road, do your best to avoid it. If you cannot move to avoid hitting it, be sure to slow down before you hit it. Those large puddles are more than enough to cause you to lose control of the car in just a few short feet.

Don't use Cruise Control

When the roads are wet, you shouldn't be using your cruise control. It is imperative that you be in complete control of the car so that you can let off the gas the second you feel the hydroplaning begin.

Recover Correctly

When you begin to hydroplane:

  1. Let off the gas immediately! Don't brake, just let off the gas.
  2. Turn your steering wheel in the direction in which the car is hydroplaning – just a slight turn of the wheel is all that's needed.
  3. Wait to feel the tires make contact with the road's surface again.
  4. Pull over and catch your breath. A scare can take quite a bit out of you – don't hesitate to pull over to pull yourself together.

One sure way that you'll know what to do in the event of hydroplaning while driving is to take a driver trainer course. There, you'll learn how to handle this and many other types of hazards while behind the wheel.

Share

11 June 2018

Becoming an Adult

Have you recently moved into your own place for the first time in your life? Perhaps, you just graduated from high school and moved into a college dorm room. Or, you might have recently bought your first home after landing the job of your dreams. If you’re independent for the first time, consider enrolling in some continuing education classes to help you thrive. For instance, you might learn important financial concepts in a money management course. If you’ve never prepared a meal without the aid of a microwave, you may adore attending a cooking class. On this blog, I hope you will discover the numerous ways everyone can benefit from taking continuing education courses. Enjoy!