It’s a warm night, just after dark. As soon as you and your child get into the car after soccer practice, it starts to rain. Five miles down the road, you experience a terrifying sensation. Your car doesn’t just feel like it’s suddenly flying—it actually is. It’s hydroplaning.
As you drive on wet pavement, water collects ahead of your car’s front tires. Sometimes the tread on the tires can’t disperse the water. This causes the wheels to actually lift off the pavement, the way a waterskier skims across the water.
Hydroplaning occurs when your vehicle’s tires lose contact with the pavement on which you’re driving. Once your front wheels are no longer in contact with the ground, you no longer have the ability to steer effectively. Your car may begin to rotate sideways, out of your control.
The resulting sudden loss of control as you slide into a skid can be extremely scary and is in fact very dangerous.
Unfortunately, you’re always at risk for hydroplaning when on pavement that’s wet or covered with slush. And there is no way to predict with certainty when this might occur. But there are several factors that you can control to reduce your risk.
The biggest factor you can control is vehicle speed. Hydroplaning can occur at even 30 mph, but as your speed increases to 50 mph and above on a wet surface, the risk of hydroplaning increases rapidly.
Your initial reaction when you sense your car hydroplaning is crucial. To help prevent an accident, follow these steps:
You can take specific precautions to lower your risk of a hydroplaning accident:
If, despite your precautions, you’re involved in an accident after your car hydroplanes, stay calm and contact the police. When it involves another vehicle, remain non-confrontational and exchange information. Don’t admit fault. Make sure you or anyone else who is injured receives any necessary medical care as soon as possible. If possible, take photos of the accident, all vehicles involved, and your injuries.
Avoid rushing into a settlement or even providing a statement to another party’s insurance company until you have legal representation. To find out exactly what your rights and obligations are, be sure to contact us for a free consultation.