Hydroplaning is a common driving hazard that happens during rainy weather. It occurs when a vehicle’s tires lose contact with the road and begin riding on a layer of water instead.
This can lead to a loss of control, making it impossible for the driver to steer or brake. Everyone needs to take precautions to prevent such incidents from happening.
Water on the road
Hydroplaning only happens when there is water on the road. Rain, especially during heavy downpours, may accumulate faster than sewers can drain it away. When large puddles form, it creates a barrier between the tires and asphalt. Taking alternate routes with drier, less saturated surfaces is a safer option.
Vehicle speed
Higher velocities cause wheels to glide atop the water instead of cutting through it. For this reason, travelers often experience hydroplaning during sudden accelerations. More miles per hour means less time for tires to displace water. Therefore, drivers should go well below the speed limit during wet weather.
Tire status
A vehicle’s tires also affect its likelihood of hydroplaning. Worn and underinflated tires have limited tread depth and cannot efficiently channel away water as they rotate. It is impossible to overstate the importance of tire maintenance in avoiding this possibility.
Road conditions
The design and quality of roads can further contribute to hydroplaning and other driving scenarios that lead to severe automotive accidents. Streets with poor drainage systems or ruts from wear and tear collect more water than those without these problems. Byways with smooth surfaces, on the other hand, offer less traction, which can be equally dangerous.
No matter the circumstances, a hydroplaning accident may end in injury to the driver, a passenger or a pedestrian. Someone who gets hurt in such a wreck due to another person’s negligence deserves compensation for medical bills in addition to pain and suffering.
