How To Avoid Hydroplaning

One of the most common risks of driving in the rain is hydroplaning. Rain can be just as dangerous as driving in the fog or winter road conditions if your car begins to hydroplane.

Hydroplaning, also known as aquaplaning, is when the tires lose contact with the road surface and instead skid along the top of a puddle or standing water, which can cause the vehicle to lose control and skid out of control.

Hydroplaning is a phenomenon that occurs when roads are wet or flooded, usually during heavy rain or when there is standing water on the road surface. This happens when the water under the tire cannot escape, and pressure builds up to lift the tire off the ground. Some common factors contributing to hydroplaning include vehicle speed, tire pressure, tread depth, pavement texture, roadway, and environmental conditions.

When a vehicle hydroplanes, the driver may experience a lack of control, as the steering becomes less responsive, and the car may slide or drift. Driving at high speeds can be particularly hazardous, increasing the likelihood of skidding or losing vehicle control.

To minimize the risk of hydroplaning, drivers must drive at safe speeds during wet conditions, maintain proper tire tread depth and inflation, and avoid sudden maneuvers or harsh braking.

Recognizing hydroplaning while driving is crucial for responding appropriately and maintaining vehicle control. Here are some signs that your car may be hydroplaning:

• If your steering wheel is less responsive or your car is not reacting as you expect to your steering inputs, it might indicate hydroplaning.
• Hydroplaning can cause your vehicle to feel like it's drifting or floating, making it hard to maintain a consistent speed.
• You may also hear splashing or roaring noise as your tires skim over the water on the road surface, and this sound can indicate that your tires are not making solid contact with the road.
• It may be a sign of hydroplaning if you feel like you're losing control of your vehicle or it begins to skid or slide unexpectedly.
• You may notice an abrupt increase in RPM without a corresponding increase in vehicle speed, which can occur because your tires spinning faster due to hydroplaning.

If you suspect your car is hydroplaning, remaining calm and avoiding sudden movements is crucial. First, ease off the accelerator gently and try to steer the vehicle in the direction you want to go without making any sudden or jerky movements.

Avoid slamming on the brakes, as this can cause your vehicle to skid or lose control further. Once you regain traction, gradually slow down and pull over to a safe location if necessary.

Modern road tires have grooves to enhance traction and disperse water from the tire tread. However, adverse weather conditions often overpower tire capabilities, resulting in many accidents across Canada.

Several common factors contribute to hydroplaning accidents, including the accumulation of water on the road surface, which creates hazardous puddles. Other factors include excessive speed relative to road conditions, inadequate road design and curvature, poor drainage systems, incorrect or suboptimal tire pressure, and insufficient water drainage mechanisms.

While several scenarios can trigger hydroplaning accidents, the factors mentioned above are among the most prevalent contributors. These accidents pose significant risks and can result in severe bodily harm or fatalities in the most severe cases. Although some accidents may be unavoidable, many are associated with negligent driving behaviours such as distracted driving.