Tips to Keep Your Vehicle Under Control

Hydroplaning occurs when your tires lose traction with the roadway due to excessive water on the top of the road. Hydroplaning can happen in as little as one-twelfth of an inch of rain on the road and at a speed of 35 or more miles per hour. When this happens, the driver loses control of the vehicle and can begin to slide uncontrollably.

If you start to hydroplane slowly take your foot off the gas pedal. DO NOT slam or touch your brakes. Try and steer straight until you regain control of the vehicle. If you start to spin, slowly turn your wheel in the direction of the spin. DO NOT go against the spin (in the opposite direction) and DO NOT jerk the wheel sharply, as this could cause your vehicle to flip over due to over correction. As your vehicle starts to slow, you should start to regain some contact with the roadway, at which time you can safely ease on to the brakes.