Hydroplaning happens when your vehicle's tires lose their grip on a wet road surface and skim on a layer of water. It can be a harrowing experience for any driver. It also significantly reduces your ability to control your vehicle. Drivers are expected to anticipate the possibility of hydroplaning and drive carefully to prevent it—otherwise, you could be responsible for any accidents which occur.

What to do if you hydroplane

If your vehicle starts to hydroplane, it's crucial to react calmly and confidently:

• Stay calm:Avoid panicking, as overreacting can worsen the situation.
• Don't brake abruptly:Release the accelerator and allow your vehicle to slow down gradually. If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, you can lightly apply them to help regain traction.
• Keep the steering steady:Avoid excessive steering movements, which can lead to further loss of control.
• Avoid sudden stops:After regaining control, avoid coming to a complete stop on the road. Pull over safely onto the shoulder or off the road if necessary, as other motorists might also be experiencing hydroplaning.

Preventing hydroplaning

Preventing hydroplaning is key to safer driving in wet conditions. Here’s what to do:

• Reduce speed:Slow down by 5-10 mph when the roads are wet. If you encounter standing water, reduce your speed further.
• Disable cruise control: Avoid using cruise control in wet conditions to maintain full control over your vehicle.
• Avoid puddles:Steer clear of puddles and standing water whenever possible.
• Steer in the slide direction:If your vehicle starts to slide, steer in the direction of the slide to regain control.
• Regular inspections and maintenance:Check your tire tread depth regularly, ensuring it's at least 2/32nd of an inch. Rotate and balance your tires as recommended to extend their lifespan and reduce tread wear.

If you’ve been involved in a hydroplaning accident, call the knowledgeable Sarasota, FL car accident lawyers at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh today.