The moment it starts to rain, road conditions change, and the risk of getting into a collision with other cars increases. Data compiled by the Federal Highway Administration finds there are around 1,235,000 weather-related crashes each year. Along with severe weather like snow, fog, and crosswinds, you can face hydroplaning challenges. What should you do if you start to hydroplane while driving?
How Hydroplaning Occurs
Before you learn how to manage hydroplaning, it helps to understand how it occurs. Here are the four factors that contribute to hydroplaning:
Road Conditions
When it rains, water builds up in the road. That water only has to reach a depth of 1/10th of an inch to trigger hydroplaning. There can also be additional problems with how adequately the water drains from the road. The deeper the water, the greater the risk of hydroplaning.
Car Speed
If you were to see a car tire rotating in slow motion while it is raining, you would see water moving between the treads. That is what it should be doing. At higher speeds, there is less time for that water to go through the tread. When you combine that speed factor with the rain, hydroplaning can occur. You only have to be traveling as low as 35 mph for a spin out to happen.
Tread Depth
One of the most important factors contributing to hydroplaning is tire tread depth. A tire tread that wears down to 2/32nd of an inch or less can spin out on wet roads. There is just enough “grip.”
Weight of the Vehicle
The heavier the vehicle, the less likely hydroplaning will occur. The added force of the weight does a better job of displacing water under the tire.
Steps To Take If You Start To Hydroplane
If you are driving and it begins to rain, you need to be on alert for the potential of hydroplaning. Here are the steps you can put into action if you find yourself hydroplaning:
Step 1: Don’t Panic
An occurrence of hydroplaning begins and ends in seconds, and it can be extremely startling. That is why you need to strive to stay calm and not panic. Any time you overreact in a situation like this, it can worsen things.
Step 2: Don’t Slam on Your Brakes
When you feel like you’re losing control of your car, the instinct is to slam on the brakes. It would help if you resisted that urge, as it will only make the situation more dangerous. Instead, ease off your accelerator to slow down the car. If your vehicle comes with anti-lock brakes, you can gently tap them to help your tires regain traction.
Step 3: Hold Your Steering Wheel Steady
Be sure to hold your steering wheel steady. You don’t want to steer too much in either direction because that could cause more spin-outs.
Step 4: Wait To Stop After Gaining Control
Once you get back to control your car, you don’t need to come to a complete stop on the road. Remember, cars that are dealing with the same situation could be coming in front and behind you. Instead, drive ahead, and if you need to calm down, you can drive ahead and pull off to the shoulder to collect yourself.
Preventing Hydroplaning
The best way to deal with hydroplaning is to avoid it altogether. That starts with slowing down in the rain. If you see any standing water on the road, you should reduce your speed by 5 to 10 mph. Additionally, don’t deploy the cruise control on wet roads. If possible, try to avoid any puddles. If you find yourself in a hydroplane situation, you want to steer in the direction you’re spinning in instead of trying to steer in the opposite direction.
Additionally, you want to keep your distance from the cars in front of you. If those cars leave a track in the water, you want to try to drive on that track. Finally, it is important to check your tire treads, especially if it has been a while since you replaced them.
The Aftermath of a Hydroplaning Accident
Even though we can’t control when it rains, every driver is responsible for driving safely in poor weather. A motorist who spins out while driving in the rain and hits another car could blame the weather, but they might also be texting or speeding.
When approaching a weather-related collision in Charleston, the attorneys at DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC, consider all the factors to determine who was at fault and what the remedy should be for the victims of the West Virginia crash.
If you are dealing with the aftermath of a hydroplaning or any car accident in Charleston, WV, you should schedule a consultation with our office to discuss the merits of your case.
