If a vehicle starts to hydroplane, what should the driver do?

When a vehicle begins to hydroplane, the best response is to ease off the accelerator and steer straight. Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water builds up between the tires and the road surface, reducing traction and control. By easing off the accelerator, the driver allows the vehicle to slow down gradually, which helps to regain traction as the speed decreases. Steering straight rather than making sudden maneuvers is crucial, as sharp turns can exacerbate the loss of control. Maintaining a calm and steady approach enhances the driver’s ability to regain grip on the road when the tires make contact with a drier surface.

In contrast to this correct response, quickly applying the brakes can cause the tires to lose even more traction and increase the risk of skidding. Steering sharply can similarly lead to a loss of control, as the vehicle is still moving at high speed on a slippery surface. Accelerating in an attempt to reduce skidding can further decrease control, making it more challenging to recover from hydroplaning. Therefore, the recommended action is to ease off the accelerator and keep steering straight.