ORLANDO, Fla. – As Central Florida heads back to school, we’re also diving headfirst into a bunch of rain and that means it’s time for our annual reminder on how to not hydroplane your way into a bad day.
This morning on the way in, I watched a car in front of me start to lose control on a slick patch of road. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but it was a clear reminder that it only takes a little water and a little speed to make things go sideways, literally.
So today, I’m taking a moment for a quick refresher. Whether you’re a new driver heading to class, a parent in the carpool lane, or just someone trying to make it to work without a heart-pounding slide, here’s what you need to know:
First, what causes hydroplaning?
Hydroplaning happens when your tires can’t push water away fast enough. Instead of gripping the road, your tires start to glide on top of the water and just like that, you’ve lost traction.
How to prevent it:
- Slow down in wet conditions. Speed is the number one factor in hydroplaning.
- Avoid sudden turns or braking. Smooth is safe.
- Stay out of puddles and standing water if you can.
- Keep your tires in good condition. Bald tires = bad news.
- Avoid using cruise control when roads are wet. You need to be in full control.
If you start to hydroplane:
- Ease off the gas. Don’t slam the brakes.
- Steer gently in the direction you want to go still maintain control of the steering wheel in where your car is spinning to.
- Stay calm. Panic makes things worse.
Rainy season mixed with the start of school year is not the best mix. Let’s make sure we all get where we’re going safely. A little extra caution goes a long way.
Join me in Results-1 today as we break this down and talk through some easy habits that could save a life, maybe even your own.
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