Losing control of a car on wet pavement is a frightening experience. Skids are scary, but hydroplaning is completely nerve-wracking.

Hydroplaning occurs when water on a roadway accumulates in front of a vehicle’s tires faster than the weight of the vehicle can push it aside. A layer of water collects between the tires of the vehicle and the road surface leading to a loss of traction, thus preventing the vehicle from responding to control inputs such as steering, braking or accelerating. The water pressure can lift the vehicle causing it to slide on top of the thin fluid layer between the tires and the road. In less than a second, the vehicle can completely lose contact with the road, putting the driver in immediate danger of sliding out of his lane. This usually happens at higher speeds, over 40 miles per hour.

In Case Hydroplaning Should Occur

Following these simple tips can save your life:

1. You can prevent skids by driving slowly and carefully, especially on curves. Steer and brake with a light touch. When you need to stop or slow, do not brake hard or lock the wheels and risk a skid. Maintain mild pressure on the brake pedal.
2. If you do find yourself in a skid, remain calm, ease your foot off the gas, and carefully steer in the direction of the skid. For cars without anti-lock brakes, avoid using your brakes. This procedure, known as “steering into the skid,” will bring the back end of your car in line with the front. If your car has ABS, brake firmly as you steer into the skid.
3. Avoid hydroplaning by keeping your tires inflated correctly. Maintain good tire tread. Don’t put off replacing worn tires. Slow down when roads are wet, and stay away from puddles. Try to drive in the tire tracks left by the cars in front of you.
4. If you find yourself hydroplaning, do not brake or turn suddenly. This could throw your car into a skid. Ease your foot off the gas until the car slows and you can feel the road again. If you need to brake, do so gently with light pumping actions. If your car has anti-lock brakes, then brake normally. The car’s computer will automatically pump the brakes far more effectively than a person can.