Skidding and Hydroplaning in Rainy Conditions

With spring just around the corner, we need to be prepared for sudden or drastic changes in weather. These sudden weather changes usually mean heavy rain or better known as "downpours". Being prepared for these sudden changes in weather could make a difference between a safe ride to your destination or a potential accident. In this article, I have provided some basic driving tips that will hopefully assist you if you are face with a critical weather situation while driving.

Fist and foremost when faced with a critical driving situation don't panic, stay calm. As we all know losing control of your car on wet pavement is a frightening experience. The best advice to prevent skids is drive slow and careful, especially on roads with curves. Remember to steer and brake with a light touch. When you need to stop or slow, do not brake hard or lock the wheels you could risk a skid. Always maintain mild pressure on the brake pedal.

If you do find yourself in a skid, remain calm, ease your foot off the gas, and carefully steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. If your vehicle is not equipped with 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.

While skids on wet pavement may be frightening, hydroplaning is completely nerve-wracking. Hydroplaning happens when the water in front of your tires builds up faster than your car's weight can push it out of the way. The water pressure causes your car to rise up and slide on a thin layer of water between your tires and the road. At this point, your car can be completely out of contact with the road, and you are in danger of skidding or drifting out of your lane, or even off the road.

To avoid hydroplaning, keep your tires properly inflated, maintain good tread on your tires and replace them when necessary, 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.

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 it gently with light pumping actions. If your car has anti-lock brakes, then brake normally; the car's computer will mimic a pumping action, when necessary.

A defensive driver adjusts his or her speed to the wet road conditions in time to avoid having to use any of these measures. Remember, if that critical time arises, stay calm and use these basic driving tips. The Lumpkin County Sheriff's Office is always concerned for the safety of our citizen's and visitors, I hope this article has been informative. I would like to hear your safety concerns or ideas for an article.   

 

 

Source: Captain Danny Peck Uniform Patrol Commander, Lumpkin County Sheriff's Office (706) 864-0414 ext. 566. e-mail:dpeck@lumpkinsheriff.com