Hydroplaning – How Does A Driver Deal With It?

What is hydroplaning? It derives from 2 words, hydro meaning water and planning meaning to skid on. Essentially, the word hydroplaning means to skid on the surface or a road which is covered with water.

The end result is your vehicle that you are driving will probably end up in the ditches.

This is a dangerous phenomena faced by drivers. Knowledge of hydroplaning is therefore utterly important. Lack of knowledge about it can lead to accidents especially during torrential downpours.

Allow me to now explain in more detail regarding hydroplaning. Experts classify is as a loss of braking or steering control caused by a layer of water on the road surface which prevents direct contact with the vehicle’s tyres.

What are some of the important factors that cause hydroplaning to occur?

It is said to be caused by:

i) Driving too fast.

ii) Worn out tyres.

iii) Tyres being inflated incorrectly.

iv) The depth of water collected on the road surfaces.

v) Turning or cornering too fast while negotiating a corner which causes tyre to lose contact with the road surfaces.

vi) Wrong tyre can sometimes be faulted as one of the causes too.

So, as a good driver, you should take important notice of the factors given above in order to prevent hydroplaning from happening.

What essentially happens when it rains?

Oil and dust on the road surfaces cause slippery conditions. It thus becomes a hazard to drivers. Little wonder many road crashes occur.

Although, eventually oil and dust wash away from road surfaces, remember plenty of hazards still remain.

What happens in a heavy rain or downpours?

Well, logically it limits your ability to see clearly. In reality, you cannot see others. Other drivers can’t see you well either. In the end, accidents are prone to occur.

What do experts in driving recommend that you do when hydroplaning occur?

It is suggested that:

i) A drivers is recommended not to touch the brakes.

ii) Reduce speed immediately.

iii) Coast along until hydroplaning stops.

iv) Hold the steering with a steady grip.

v) Wait until you can feel the road again under your tyres.

vi) Drive along continuously and test your brakes periodically.

vii) Advisable to slow down speed to 1/3.

To assist you to control the entire situation, you can put on the hazard lights. You could choose to stop a while at the road side.

And finally, you could even wait a while for the rain to subside.

Now that you have a better idea of what hydroplaning is, it is hoped that you will understand how to deal with it when it occurs.