Hydroplaning is a common occurrence in rainy weather, and can lead to some severe accidents. To reduce the risk of hydroplaning, here are some steps you can take.
- Stay home: This isn’t always an option, but if you know the weather is going to be bad, you can stay off the roads to keep yourself and others safe.
- Check your tires: Keep your tires in good condition; many hydroplaning accidents occur due to a lack of tire maintenance. You should make sure your tires are properly inflated, and that they have sufficient tread. Replace your tires as needed, and in between replacements you should rotate the tires at regular intervals to ensure even tread wear.
- Slow down: Speeding is more likely to result in hydroplaning or loss of vehicle control in bad-weather situations. Slow down and you’ll keep control of your vehicle and be able to bring the vehicle to a stop.
- Avoid standing water: Whenever possible, avoid standing water or puddles. If you cannot avoid them, slow down significantly before driving through them. One good way to avoid driving through puddles is to avoid outside lanes, where water is more likely to build up next to the curb or shoulder.
- Keep in a lower gear: If you drive a vehicle with manual transmission, it’s best to stay in a lower gear during inclement weather.
- Avoid aggressive driving: Aggressive driving behaviors such as braking hard or attempting to make sharp turns or turns at high speeds makes it more likely that you will lose control of your vehicle.
For more tips to help you avoid losing control of your vehicle during inclement weather, contact an experienced Bradenton, FL auto accident lawyer at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez & Walsh.