What should you do if your vehicle starts to hydroplane?

When a vehicle begins to hydroplane, it means that there is a layer of water between the tires and the road surface, which can cause a loss of traction. The correct response in this situation is to ease off the gas and steer straight. By easing off the accelerator, you reduce your speed, which helps the tires regain contact with the road as the vehicle slows down. Steering straight allows you to maintain stability and avoid any abrupt movements that could worsen the loss of control.

Maintaining a straightforward approach minimizes the risk of skidding further and allows the vehicle to settle back onto the road as conditions improve. This approach is crucial because swift or jerky movements can lead to a more severe loss of control or result in another skid.

In contrast, accelerating can worsen hydroplaning by increasing speed and preventing the vehicle from regaining traction. Turning in the direction of the skid, while sometimes appropriate in certain skidding scenarios, is not the first action to take when hydroplaning occurs since it can lead to an unpredictable reaction and further loss of control. Braking immediately can exacerbate the situation by locking the wheels and reducing steering control, leading to a potential spin-out. Thus, easing off the gas and steering straight is the safe maneuver to regain