What must you do if you hydroplane while driving?

When you hydroplane, water builds up between your tires and the road, causing a loss of traction and control. The correct course of action in this situation is to ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go.

By easing off the accelerator, you allow your tires to regain contact with the road surface, reducing speed gradually, which helps to restore traction. Steering in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go helps to align the car with the path you wish to follow, aiding in regaining control over the vehicle. This method is crucial because overreacting or making sudden movements can lead to further loss of control.

In contrast, quickly swirling the steering wheel can create a dangerous reaction, potentially causing the vehicle to spin out. Panicking and braking hard can make the hydroplaning situation worse by locking the wheels and leading to an even greater loss of control. Accelerating to regain control contradicts the need to reduce speed; increasing speed can lead to worsening traction issues and make it harder to regain control of the vehicle. Thus, understanding how to respond appropriately during hydroplaning is essential for safe driving.