Hydroplaning Prevention & Recovery: Driving in The Rain Safety Rules

Updated Nov. 16, 2020

Hydroplaning is a phenomenon that occurs on wet roads, when a vehicle hits a film of water at a speed great enough to glide on top of it, rather than maintaining contact with the road’s surface. The tread on most tires will channel water away, at speeds up to around 35mph; underinflated and low-tread tires will reduce the speed at which hydroplaning is possible. Increasing speed makes the water-channeling action less effective and can separate your tires from the asphalt, so they ride over the water like a set of water skis.

When does hydroplaning occur?
Preventing hydroplaning
How do you know if you are hydroplaning?
Recovering from hydroplaning

When hydroplaning occurs, it results in partial or complete loss of control and steering ability. It is something that every driver wants to avoid.

When does hydroplaning occur?

Contrary to what most drivers believe, hydroplaning does not just occur when an inch or more of water has accumulated on the roadway. It can happen when water is just one-tenth of an inch deep.

Speed is the biggest contributing factor. The faster you are traveling, the greater your chances of hydroplaning and the worse it will be if it happens. Partial hydroplaning can begin at speeds of around 35mph, or less, if your tires are in bad condition. At speeds of 55mph or above, tires can lose all contact with the road. If this occurs, you will have zero control over steering, braking or acceleration – your vehicle will essentially be floating at high-speed.

Preventing hydroplaning

Your greatest weapon against hydroplaning is cutting your speed. Slow down as soon as it begins to rain, or you notice a build-up of water on the road surface.

Never use your cruise control in rainy or wet conditions when hydroplaning is a risk. Should you end up hydroplaning, having to switch off cruise control will take up valuable time in which you could be regaining control of your vehicle. In heavy rain, your cruise control system may detect water build-up as a decrease in speed, causing it to compensate with acceleration. This could result in hydroplaning and send your vehicle sliding straight into an obstacle or off the side of the road.

Maintaining proper tire pressure and tread depth will dramatically decrease your chances of hydroplaning during wet weather. Your vehicle owner’s manual should tell you what pressure your tires need.

How do you know if you are hydroplaning?

How it feels to hydroplane will depend on your vehicle, the depth of the water on the road and the quality of tread on your tires. Drivers may not notice that they are hydroplaning if they are traveling on a straight stretch of road. Of course, it would become immediately obvious if you attempt to turn or brake and realize you have lost control of the vehicle.

If you drive conscientiously and pay attention to your vehicle during wet, hazardous conditions, you should feel a sensation of floating or loss of traction when hydroplaning occurs. Your steering will feel lighter as your tires have lost traction, though it will be partially or completely ineffective.

Recovering from hydroplaning

No matter what type of vehicle you are driving, know that braking is NEVER the answer to hydroplaning. Braking suddenly can lock your tires and cause the vehicle to spin out of control. If you feel your vehicle starting to hydroplane:

Do not panic.
Do not brake, this will cause your vehicle to skid.
Reduce speed by easing off the accelerator.
When you feel your vehicle regain traction, you may brake gently or steer if necessary.

The “ideal” action to take when severe hydroplaning occurs and you need to avoid a collision depends on the type of car you are driving.

If you are in a front-wheel drive vehicle OR a rear-wheel drive vehicle with an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and traction control, remain lightly on the accelerator and if necessary, steer gently away from any hazards (preferably an open space on the roadway).

Drivers of rear-wheel drive vehicles without ABS and traction control should ease of the gas pedal and if necessary, steer gently away from any hazards.

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Driving Through Deep Water

When it comes to driving through deep water, there is only one rule you need to remember: avoid it at all costs. Even relatively shallow water can be dangerous. At low speeds, six inches of water can cause you to lose control of the vehicle and can float some smaller vehicles.

Driving in Bad Weather 7 of 11

Driving in Strong Wind

Strong winds can sometimes be a problem for car drivers. They are especially dangerous for lightweight cars, vehicles towing trailers, campers and other high-sided recreational vehicles. When driving in very windy conditions, reducing your speed is the best way to avoid an accident.

Driving in Bad Weather 8 of 11

Driving in Snow & Ice

Driving when there is snow or ice on the roads is extremely treacherous. Snow or ice between your tires and the surface of the road will greatly reduce traction, thus increasing the distance it takes to stop. Ice is generally more dangerous than snow, as it is very difficult to see.

Review

Driving in Work Zones 1 of 2

Driving in Work Zones

The term “work zone” refers to any area on a public road where utility, construction or maintenance work is being conducted. There may be barriers, cones, heavy equipment, temporary signs, signal lights and workers in the roadway, prior to, during and beyond work sites. Nearly all states have chosen to discourage dangerous driving around high-risk work zones by increasing or doubling the fines incurred by traffic violations.

Driving in Work Zones 2 of 2

Work Zone Signs & Signals

Drivers moving through a roadway work zone will come across unexpected road signs, signals and traffic control measures. Traffic control personnel – often known as flaggers or flagmen – may be positioned around a work zone to manage the flow of traffic through the site. The increased risk around work zones means that obeying the signs, signals and traffic control devices established in these areas is every bit as important as obeying them elsewhere.

Driving in Bad Weather 1 of 11

Driving in Hazardous Conditions

Unfavorable weather and road conditions can create hazards that make driving difficult, and more dangerous. You must learn how to identify and compensate for these hazards, to protect yourself and other road users from harm. hoosing not to drive in rain, snow or fog, at night or during any other hazardous conditions is always the smartest decision.

Driving in Bad Weather 2 of 11

Driving with Sun Glare

Drivers are most susceptible to sun glare in mornings and late afternoons, when the sun is lowest in the sky. Sun glare is incredibly dangerous as it can impair vision and in extreme cases, cause momentary blindness. Less severe sun glare can distort road signs and traffic signals, leading drivers to make potentially devastating mistakes.

Driving in Bad Weather 3 of 11

Driving Through Fog & Smoke

Of all the adverse weather conditions you may have to deal with while driving, fog is the most dangerous. Turn on your headlights, activate fog lights, activate your windscreen wipers and reduce speed. Do not start a journey if the fog is so thick that the way ahead is completely obscured a few feet in front of your vehicle.

Driving in Bad Weather 4 of 11

Driving in The Rain

Driving in the rain can be every bit as dangerous as driving in icy or snowy conditions. Water on the road’s surface can seriously impede your vehicle control, while the rain itself impacts visibility. You must understand how to manage theses challenges and drive safely during wet and rainy conditions. Every risk you face during wet and rainy weather can be diminished by reducing your speed; this should be the first action you take.