What To Know About Hydroplaning
Florida is known for wet weather from time to time. Driving in the rain is not an easy task. It comes with a lot of dangers, especially if puddles form on the road. Hydroplaning occurs when water gets in front of your tires faster than your vehicle can push it out of the way. Your vehicle begins to ride on top of standing water instead of the road’s surface. This means that you lose contact with the road and can lose control, since you lose your ability to steer your car.
Hydroplaning is caused by three main factors:
- Vehicle speed. Higher speeds reduce wet traction.
- Tire tread depth. Tires with less tread cannot resist hydroplaning as well.
- Water depth. Deeper water makes it easier for you to lose traction.
How Do You Know if You Are Hydroplaning?
When your vehicle begins to hydroplane, it will feel as if your vehicle is floating. This could result in a loss of steering and braking. The amount of control you will have depends on your speed and which tires are being affected.
Preventing Hydroplaning
When driving in wet weather, you can prevent hydroplaning by doing the following:
- Avoid puddles. You can hydroplane in any area of the road that has collected water. Try to avoid standing water.
- Reduce speed. Hydroplaning is more likely to occur when traveling at speeds above 35 miles per hour. Therefore, you should slow down once it starts raining. Aim for 5-10 miles per hour below the speed limit.
- Regularly balance and rotate your tires. Keep your tires in good shape. Regular rotations and balances will keep your tires in tune and prevent hydroplaning.
- Choose high-quality tires. Tires are not something you want to skimp on. Buy long-lasting tires that work well for the roads and weather in your area. Be sure to check and replace these tires as needed.
- Don’t use cruise control. Cruise control is not effective in the rain. If you hydroplane while cruise control is on, it could take even longer for you to regain control.
If you do hydroplane, don’t panic. Take your foot off the accelerator, but don’t brake. Steer in the direction of the hydroplaning so you can regain alignment. You should feel the tires reconnect to the ground. This can be a scary situation, so pull over if necessary allow yourself some time to breathe and calm down after such an experience.
Contact Us Today
Hydroplaning can happen in wet weather and it can be a scary experience. Know how to prevent this situation so you can stay safe when it’s raining.
Excessive rain, puddles, and flowing water can lead to serious accidents. Get the legal help you need from the Gainesville car accident attorneys at Meldon Law. We’ll work hard to get you results. Schedule a consultation by filling out the online form or calling (800) 373-8000. Contact us 24/7. We have four offices to serve you: Gainesville, Ocala, Fort Lauderdale, and Lake City.
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