We’ve had so much precipitation in Virginia lately most of us feel like we’re going to float away. Our streams are high, there are puddles in our yards, and the soccer fields look like overfilled sponges. Rain like this means wet roadways and standing water on pavement.
It can also mean hydroplaning.
Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle’s tires encounter more water than it can displaces. This causes water to be trapped between the tire and the pavement and for the vehicle to lose traction. Imagine your vehicle on a set of water skis, you have no brakes and no steering until the the rubber meets the road.
It Sounds Dangerous, is it?
Most definitely, anytime a driver loses the ability to steer or brake, the chances of an accident involving injury are likely to happen.
Is There Anything I can do to Prevent Hydroplaning?
Absolutely. Adjusting your driving behavior to match weather and road conditions is always a great first step to preventing auto accidents involving severe injury. Read on for specific driving tips tailored to preventing car accidents caused by hydroplaning.
- Always adjust your speed to match road conditions. Slow your vehicle as soon as it begins to rain. Water can puddle on roadways quickly, especially after periods of heavy rainfall or if there has been a recent snowstorm. When the ground is already saturated, the water falling from the sky just doesn’t have anywhere to go and will often puddle on the pavement.
- Turn off your cruise control. Cruise control is great for helping the driver maintain a constant speed, however, on wet roadways it can be dangerous to use your cruise control function. If your car begins to hydroplane, it will take you longer to disable the cruise control and regain control of your vehicle.
- Maintain your vehicle properly. Always check to make sure that brakes and tires are in good condition. Your vehicle is more likely to hydroplane if you have bald tires.
- Get picky about which tires you buy. If you live in a area that sees a lot of rainfall, be sure to purchase tires that are made to prevent hydroplaning. They may cost a little more, but the extra money spent could save you and your passengers from being in an auto accident.
- When its possible, go around puddles or water standing on the roadway.
What Should I Do if I’m Driving and Begin to Hydroplane?
You will know immediately if your car is hydroplaning. It will jerk in one direction or the other. You will probably regain control quickly if you just hit a small puddle of water, but if you don’t, follow these steps:
- Slow your vehicle by taking your foot off of the gas pedal. Keep it off until you regain control of the vehicle. Do not slam on the brakes. Sudden deceleration may cause your car to skid out of control.
- Turn the steering wheel into the slide. It sounds crazy, I know. But here’s how it works, when your vehicle goes into a skid, it is headed in a direction that presumably the driver doesn’t want it to go. If the driver keeps a cool head and can turn the wheel in the direction of that skid, it will line the front tires up with the direction the car is headed and allow the vehicle to make full contact with the pavement and the driver will be able to steer the vehicle again.
My Vehicle Just Hydroplaned and it Scared Me Half to Death
Tip of The Day! Give yourself a break! Literally! Anytime you encounter a dangerous situation that gets the adrenaline pumping, it is okay to pull over and give yourself a break from driving. Just be sure to find a safe place.
I Was Injured in a Car Accident and I Don’t Know What to do
If you or someone you loved was injured in a car accident that was not your fault, call The Thomson Law Firm for a FREE case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering, your lost wages, your medical bills and any future medical expenses related to your injuries that you may incur. Do not accept a quick and cheap settlement from an insurance company without knowing all of your options. Call The Thomson Law Firm today to speak with a trained intake specialist that can help you get the compensation that you deserve. (540) 777-4900
