Rain presents problems for even the most skilled drivers. Not only does in obstruct vision, but it can make controlling your vehicle difficult. Undoublty, we have all experienced hydroplaning, when your vehicle is no longer catching the road due to water causing a loss of control. It can be a small recoverable slip and sometimes it can lead to a major accident. In most cases, there are things you can do to prevent hydroplaning and steering techniques for when it does happen.
Prevention
Driving slower or less aggressive when its raining makes the road safer for all. Sometimes it may seem like others are going too slow, prompting the old phrase “haven’t these people driven in the rain before” but we need to understand the circumstances. Driving fast means it will take longer to slow down, and in the rain that distance must increase in case the wheels have trouble catching the road.
Driving slower, on the other hand, minimizes the chances of hydroplaning. So instead of cursing the slow drivers, consider that they may have had an accident before or are doing their best to prevent one.
Another excellent suggestion is to avoid massive puddles. If you have ever driven through standing water, then you have likely experienced a brief loss of control. The brief loss of control can be the difference between a safe stop and an accident. A major accident can land you needing the SR22 certificate.
Steering techniques
Unfortunately, hydroplaning is not 100% preventable, but there are ways to handle the vehicle. The first instinct people have when they feel they have lost control of the vehicle is to slam on the brake. Do not do this, you will likely make things much worse. Instead, take your foot off the accelerator, and try to steer in the direction the vehicle is turning.
Attempting to steer the vehicle may seem odd, but it will help the tires catch the road. Unless you experience hydroplaning often or are a professional driver, you are likely to be in a bit of shock or panic after hydroplaning. There is nothing wrong with pulling over for a few minutes to recover and calm down a bit.
